The kitchen is undoubtedly the hardest working room in the house and calls for considered design choices as well as materials that will not only stand the test of time but add personality and style to what is the most dynamic space in your home.
Stone and Quartz
There is nothing like a natural stone worktop and backsplash to create a wow factor, says interior designer Emma Lamb of Lamb Design. “The manmade versions are never the same and can make a kitchen look like any other kitchen due to the homogenous way they are made.”
It’s a view shared by kitchen company Porter & Jones, who work predominantly with natural materials. “We like to create classic, timeless spaces and stone adds that luxurious bespoke feel to a kitchen that means it never really goes out of style.” Considering your lifestyle is key to deciding on kitchen materials, according to Amel Ajjawi of Porter & Jones. “We’d recommend natural stone quartzite instead of marble for a busy family kitchen, for example. This gives the space added durability without compromising on the overall aesthetic. Corian or quartz would be the next best thing: both cost-effective and durable for either worktops, floors or backsplashes, especially if it’s a lively space.”
Eilish Rickard Interiors chose La Dolce Vita Quartzite from Porter for this kitchen
A marble worktop and backsplash by Neptune
It’s hard to find something tougher than granite as a work surface but quartz, engineered from minerals that are moulded with resins, is about as tough as it gets and can be designed to mimic that of natural stone, if that’s your preferred look. It’s non-porous so resistant to cracks and stains making it a lower maintenance material that doesn’t require regular sealing.
One of the biggest trends in the last 18 months in terms of materials for kitchens is the rise in popularity of Dekton from Cosentino, says Dave Fagan, director of Kube Kitchens, who confirms the stone is the preferable choice for his customers, where budgets allow, due to the huge range of colours available and its flexibility of use on kitchen worktops, floor tiles and outdoor cooking areas. “It’s scratch resistant, full heat resistant and non-porous. Quartz is also hugely popular and less expensive than marble.”
Concrete
The timeless nature of concrete has always appealed to designers and architects who have predominantly used it outdoors, given its durability and low cost. We’re reminded of brutalist, Soviet architecture that rendered it bleak. But there has been a surge in its popularity, moving it indoors, specifically to the kitchen where its hardwearing, textured qualities shine, especially if you don’t trust yourself to take care of an expensive marble slab.
Concrete is hardy yet versatile and elegant. But before you go thinking of concrete bunkers, consider a slick polished concrete floor or sleek kitchen island moulded in concrete. It may still be industrial, but new methods that involve curing over time and mixing with other resins have made it tactile, stylish and beautiful, and a top choice for modern kitchens.
“Clients tend to veer towards tiles or laminate due to their durability and ease and whilst this is definitely the most practical and clean choice, I feel the kitchen’s soul and character tends to suffer in the long run,” explains interior designer Emma Lamb.
“Natural stone, timber or concrete instantly adds depth and character due to their natural finish. Concrete, in particular, is a clever design choice as not only is it cost-effective, and extremely hardy, but it can come in most colours, making it flexible and suitable to most homes, whether minimalist or rustic.”
Its neutral hue also serves as a perfect foundation for layering, says Emma. A polished concrete floor offset by earthy wooden cabinets, for example. “The key to a beautiful kitchen with character is picking finishes that are ‘friends’ not ‘twins’ – they should meld well together but not be too matchy.”
Wood
Call it a desire to get back to basics but much of our design these days centres around authentic simplicity and there are few things that deliver as much on that as humble wood. There’s something about the warm, tactile nature of a wooden floor or surface that makes a space feel homely.
A natural wood finish in this Moebe kitchen
The textures of concrete and wood play well together
Wood is a popular choice for a kitchen floor and worktop due to its ability to seamlessly transition from room to room and for its huge variety, from walnut and oak to maple and cherry. But you get what you pay for so choose wisely and seal properly for longevity, says Simon Temprell, interior design manager at Neptune.
“We work with a lot of natural materials at Neptune and practicality is usually the driving force when choosing the right material. Timber floors and work surfaces look warm and textural, but any manmade materials require higher maintenance.”
It’s best to avoid any harsh chemicals when cleaning these surfaces, he adds. Use a damp mop and remove any scuffs or marks with a little white spirit. The average kitchen is a hive of activity so it’s important to choose a wood floor with the ability to withstand footfall, spillages and breakages. A real hardwood such as oak, maple or cherry in a matt finish tends to be more forgiving. Engineered planks are also a good choice given their enhanced strength which is down to the layering of sections of solid wood bonded together, making them an ideal choice to lay over underfloor heating.
Designer Emma Lamb recommends solid wood for many reasons, one being its chameleon character. “One of the perks of solid wood is that it can be sanded down and re-finished in a different tone should you decide to change up the space.”
Tiles
Encaustic, terracotta, cement, glazed, porcelain, ceramic, glass in every pattern and colour – tiles are unmatched in terms of their versatility and their moisture-resistant qualities make them a solid choice for a kitchen, in particular a backsplash. But a tiled worktop is equally functional and offers an opportunity to play in terms of design and colour.
“We are seeing the same tile being used throughout the kitchen, from floor to wall to create continuity,” says Chris Murphy at Best Tile. “But often people make the mistake of choosing a tile that overpowers the room or one that is not the right size for the space. The objective is to merge the tones together rather than create a statement colour or pattern that takes away from the overall scheme and choose a tile that is in proportion with the space and represents the style of the kitchen selected.”
Whether you’re working with full slabs or smaller pieces, map out how your chosen tile pattern will repeat in the room. Mix and match styles, or choose just one – just be sure the materials you select allow for that repetition in a cohesive look. If your floor tile is the less extrovert pairing to your wall tile, consider whether it’s the contemporary look of a porcelain tile or the more rustic, timeless look of natural stone or slate you’re after, bearing in mind that large tiles create less joint lines making the room feel more spacious (and it also means less grout).
Chris suggests ceramic and glass as good options for a backsplash as they are easy to maintain and come in a good range of styles and price points. “And remember, the most beautiful tile in the world can be ruined by a bad installation job so finding a good tiler is probably one of the most important aspects of the process.”
This feature originally appeared in the autumn/winter 2023 issue of IMAGE Interiors. Have you thought about becoming a subscriber? Find out more, and sign up here.
Also Read
