ROOM ELEMENTS
FROM STRIKING TO SUBTLE, QUARTZ COMPOSITES TO NATURAL STONE, TOP OFF YOUR KITCHEN CABINETS WITH THESE COUNTRY-STYLE SURFACES
Country-chic worktops to finish off your kitchen
NATURAL BEAUTY
While some may prefer the consistent looks of synthetic materials, for others, the rustic beauty of natural stone just can’t be beaten. As the hardest stone, granite is the most practical – resistant to heat and scratches – but will need to be protected by a special sealant. More porous stones such as marble, limestone and basalt are susceptible to stains, yet some might say this just adds to the patina of age. ‘Each slab is unique, with individual characteristics, so your worktop doubles as a statement feature in your kitchen,’ says Darren Hopkins, showroom manager and director of sales at Stone Age.
NEW ON THE BLOCK
While beautiful, natural stone isn’t necessarily best for busy kitchens. The same lavish look can be achieved with Consentino’s Dekton Stonika ultra-compact surfaces, made using materials exposed to high temperatures and pressure, mimicking the way natural stone is formed over thousands of years. The result is a durable worktop material with the beauty of heavily veined marble.
TOUGH CHOICE
Often known as engineered stone, quartz composite is largely made of natural crystals mixed with synthetic binders. This blend makes for super-strong surfaces resistant to scratching, staining and heat. ‘Composites aren’t confined to nature’s palette – glossy matt and textured finishes are available in an endless range of colours,’ says Simon Boocock, Managing Director at CRL Stone.
GO WITH THE FLOW
For a sleek, refined look, acrylic-based worktops or solid surfaces such as Corian are a great choice. Made from a blend of acrylic resins, minerals and colourings, the material can be shaped without any joins for beautifully organic curves. Consider extending your worktop up to a breakfast bar, wall panel or window sill, all in one flowing design. Seamlessly integrated sinks can also be incorporated.
❝ LOOK AT GOOD-SIZED SAMPLES – YOU NEED A LARGE SLAB TO JUDGE COLOUR AND IMPACT, ESPECIALLY WHEN USING NATURAL STONE ❞ TARA KING, CONTENT STYLE EDITOR
TIMELESS APPEAL
A time-honoured favourite in country kitchens, nothing beats the warmth and charm of wood. Hardwoods such as oak, walnut, beech, cherry and maple are popular, but keep in mind they’re not the most durable or waterresistant surfaces, so avoid extreme temperatures and prolonged soaking.
IN WITH THE OLD
A reclaimed worktop not only benefits the environment but also introduces authentic charm. While rustic timber is popular, decorative tiles are making a comeback. Bert & May offers a vast selection – opt for a hardwearing material such as porcelain and re-seal the grout joints once a year.
❝ WORKTOPS MUST BE FITTED AFTER UNITS, SO FACTOR IN A DELAY OF UP TO TWO WEEKS FOR A BESPOKE WORKTOP ❞ TARA KING, CONTENT STYLE EDITOR
SPECIAL EFFECT
Laminate is the cheapest and easiest to fit, with lots of choice in colour, pattern and finish. Thanks to advances in high-definition printing and surface textures, realistic-looking natural stone and timber finishes make it easy to create an affordable, high-end look.