How to Use Stone Worktops in the Kitchen

When most people are designing the perfect kitchen the main things they concentrate on are the layout of the room, the walls, and the appliances. Details like the kitchen surfaces often come far down the list of things to research and install. But skipping quickly through the options for kitchen worktops is a mistake. One of the most immediately eye-catching features of the kitchen is the style and finish of the worktops. Worktops are one of the first things anyone notices when they enter the room. The right worktops not only offer you a superior surface for all the kitchen tasks you need to complete, but they also bring light and depth, colour and shine to the kitchen. With so many different styles of worktop and different finishes available, it may be tempting to try to save money and go for one of the cheapest options. But if you are looking for a countertop that will last and look good, the only real choice is stone. Stone like marble, granite, limestone, etc. all offer the perfect finish to a new kitchen, or the perfect refurbishment for an old room.

What to choose? When selecting natural stone worktops, your choice depends on your taste, budget, and the look of your room. There are many different options in stone to choose from. For example, granite is a perennially popular option for kitchen work surfaces. A granite worktop can be used in almost any style of kitchen and fits well with a variety of different cabinets. Granite can also be used on the walls in tiles, or as splash backs. Granite is hard-wearing and looks very natural. When you buy granite you will discover that every stone is different in some way so you always get a unique look for your room. Granite is made up of mica, quartz, and feldspar as well as other minerals and it has a grainy, crystalline finish. You can choose from a large range of colours including green, black, grey, gold, and white. Look for white granite to make a style statement. Brown or gold granite gives a warmer feel. In addition to a range of colours, choose the finish you want – a polished, high-gloss style; a smooth and brushed surface; or a rougher, flamed surface among others.

When choosing a granite or stone worktop then consider the overall feel and look of the room that you are trying to create, as this will impact on the type of stone you eventually select. If you want to create a contemporary, ultra-modern kitchen then a granite with a particularly high sheen will provide a striking mirror-like surface detail and will look particularly impressive at night or under spotlights. There are also many granites that have flecks of metallic-looking materials within them – this also adds the modern touch. For a classic look that is homely and cosy, choose a granite with a yellow, brown or gold tone. Good earthy-coloured granites complement real wood cabinets and unpainted doors.

Louise Carr is a freelance writer in the home and garden niche. She creates content about interiors, including this article about natural stone in the kitchen.

Louise Carr writes for home and garden blogs and websites, including articles about services like http://bbsplumbandheat.com. She is a freelance writer based in Buenos Aires.