Crafted by nature Refined for living
NATURAL STONE FOR KITCHEN WORK SURFACES Crafted by nature 300 million years ago, Lundhs Real Stone is one of the most compact natural materials, making your worktop withstand heat, stains and scratches from daily wear and tear. The complex blend of beautiful feldspar crystals differs from one slab of rock to another, creating subtle distinctions that make every surface unique. Each Lundhs Real Stone is delivered with a certificate of authenticity stating the origin of the stone – your own unique piece of Norway.
CHARLIE SMALLBONE, DESIGN DIRECTOR OF LEDBURY STUDIO, ON HOW THE CLEVER USE OF MATERIALS CAN ENHANCE A PROJECT
Most cabinetry doors are wood or painted wood, but I also like to bring in glass, stone and metal finishes to create accents and make the design more interesting. Metal finishes on cabinetry and worktops can be finished differently, so always check with your supplier on how best to clean them. Most of our metal finishes are lacquered, so a wipe with a damp cloth is sufficient.
However, some finishes are ‘live’, which means that they will change over time and require specific maintenance. These surfaces need to be restricted to ‘non-core’ zones of the kitchen, for example, away from the cooking areas where they will need less upkeep.
When it comes to worktops, thickness is not linked to performance, with the standard thickness from 20mm to 30mm. Thicker worktops look better from a furniture-design standpoint, so I would recommend 30mm. When choosing surfaces, granite and marble have long been popular, but quartzite, such as Bianco Macaubus, is a current favourite among natural materials, because it is harder than granite and has the beautiful veining of marble. I also use engineered quartz surfaces, such as those by Caesarstone and Stone
Italiana, and ultra-compact surfaces, such as Neolith and Dekton. They’re ideal for busy kitchens and come in realistic, interesting effects, such as polished concrete and terrazzo.
With splashbacks it is important to have a height of at least 450mm to protect the wall, such as behind a sink or hob. There is also a great choice of materials, from verre églomisé (gilded glass) to book-matched marble and patterned tiles. The choice depends on the room: a dramatically veined stone splashback can really set off a simple kitchen, while a more subtle material may be better suited to a room with striking cabinetry.