Great ideas for KITCHEN WORKTOPS

Make sure this key surface hits the right spot for suitability and style

Go for an industrial look

Stainless steel worktops are commonly associated with professional kitchens, thanks to their robust nature. Steel surfaces are very durable as well as heat-tolerant, stainresistant and easy to clean, which makes them an ideal choice for a demanding kitchen. In addition to their practical qualities, steel worktops are aesthetically pleasing – their utilitarian look is perfect for creating an industrial-style scheme. They come in a variety of finishes, including satin or brushed for a softer overall effect.

Match worktops to your shelving

Create a coordinated scheme by using matching materials. Shelving is an essential storage solution in the kitchen for housing everything from pots and pans to ingredients and cookbooks. To keep the look well balanced, choosing the same material for worktops and open shelves is a winning design approach.

Run the look into an upstand

Incorporating the worktop into the upstand is an increasingly popular option for a neat, seamless finish. Laminate or Corian work best for this, as both are more mouldable. This feature also helps to contain prep mess and splashes and is easy to wipe clean.

Reimagine classic styles

Wood is no longer just for traditional or country kitchens and can be used to give your design an unexpectedly modern edge. Here a sleek white worktop has been contrasted with a light wood trim for a mix of styles that looks right up to date. Edging the worktop is also a smart way to break up the expanse of white in the overall space.

CREATE A CHIC CONTEMPORARY EDGE WITH WOODEN TRIM ON A WHITE WORKTOP

Blend in with your colour scheme

For a totally seamless fit match your worktops to your colour scheme. This all-white kitchen is a fine example: the brilliant white gloss cabinets and worktops, along with the white walls, tiles and ceiling, combine in a clean, uniform effect. The stone floor adds a warm grey that prevents the space from feeling clinical.

Invest in wood for a timeless look

Wooden worktops are the perfect way to add natural warmth to a kitchen scheme. Solid timber worktops, such as oak, are a popular option and some can now be bought pre-oiled, which means that they will last longer and require less maintenance in the short term. However, be prepared to put in a bit of effort to keep a wooden worktop looking its best over time – the upkeep includes re-oiling and sanding. You may also consider confining wooden worktops to areas of the kitchen where you are less likely to splash and spill.

Mix and match

A mix of materials can be used to zone your kitchen, delineating areas for different purposes. Stone worktops may signal food prep and cooking, for instance, while wood may define storage and dining aspects within the space. If you’re a keen baker, include a small expanse of marble. It may be too impractical or pricey to use everywhere, but it’s a great surface for rolling out pastry.