
Bryan Stoddard
Bryan Stoddard, currently running a website called Homewares Insider.
Kitchen Worktops
Kitchens are the center of activity of most homes, and kitchen worktops are most exposed to the daily effects of wear, scratches, heat, and dirt.
There are several materials that can be used for kitchen worktops, but none has such a wide range of advantages as granite. Natural stone is a welcome element in both traditional and modern design. For example, stone wall coverings are one of the oldest types of wall decoration. A stone wall gives a special look, brings nature, and makes the interior of the home warmer.
In addition to the wall, the stone will serve you well on kitchen surfaces, or worktops. Worktops constantly see wear and tear and are exposed to high and low temperatures. We gather, eat and socialize near or around them. In other words, we use them every day and therefore it is desirable that they are of the highest quality material.
The best option is a natural stone, such as granite, which is characterized by its strength, but also resistance to scratching and high temperatures.
Backsplash
Using stones for the backsplash can add texture and a touch of natural elements. You can adapt the stone to fit the style and colors of the kitchen. Because they’re on the wall, you can choose stones with a rougher cut that would be impractical in other areas.
The Floor
Using natural stones or even ones cut into a uniform shape is a unique idea for the kitchen. They’ll give your kitchen an authentic farmhouse or rustic feel. They work well as kitchen flooring because they’re easy to clean and durable.
Bar Top
A thin, long, flat piece of natural stone will make the perfect accent piece in your kitchen. Place it on the outside of your kitchen counter as a raised bar top surface. This is perfect for creating a breakfast counter. It adds a touch of nature. The stone will highlight your kitchen, add texture, and give it a rustic feel. You don’t have to worry so much about durability since this isn’t a work surface.

Andra DelMonico

Eileen Martin
Eileen Martin, Interior Designer at styleformyhouse.
Natural Stones Make Great Accents
They are great for creating high-impact elements, functional backsplashes, or as an accent on a specific feature of the kitchen that the homeowner really wants to highlight. It’s great to use stunning smaller tiles to create the mosaic look in lieu of an entire slab because some repairs will have to be made to the mosaic if any of the stones happen to chip.
For Backsplashes and Accents
Having been in the industry for three and a half years, working closely with interior designers, we can safely suggest that we would rather have it as a backsplash than for countertops if the client won’t commit to using Quartz. Any less than this engineered stone would probably best on the walls as an accent that spans one entire wall. They can be a pop behind the range, or they can cover the area between the countertops and cabinets. Real natural stones as countertops can be difficult and expensive to maintain. Let me tell you why in terms of price, durability, and design.
Quartz is really expensive but it’s worth it in the long run compared to natural stones. Its price comes with being an engineered stone that mimics the look of a natural stone so technically, it’s not a natural stone but [rather] enhanced stone. Being manmade and all the process of manufacturing makes it fair for its price. If homeowners persist in using a natural stone, we have our next best real stone which is Granite. It’s almost the same as quartz but – natural. Put simply, there is no better natural stone option for a countertop. Agreed and disagreed for the reason that it does have small drawbacks (or maybe large), design-wise. Granite must be sealed at least every 6 months. Not a problem. Just seal it every 6 months. Now let’s go over the design.
The busy pattern inherent in granite is good for accent rather than as an overall design because it may look messy and unorganized. Its busy pattern may also compete with the other designs in the kitchen so homeowners should watch out for this. Also, based on experience, I highly advise not to use it on the floor because the patterns make it difficult to see the specks of dust and all the dirt that may potentially go to the food. We want the kitchen clean as possible in terms of functionality.
Before we advise homeowners to jump in and purchase the best natural stone that they prefer, it should be important to consider how will this fit well with the overall kitchen feel. Designers usually lay out all the material samples on a mood board along with other samples of materials that will make the overall theme. They usually incorporate the materials in a hierarchy in terms of price. The most expensive materials are used as an accent. It should stand out more and it does add value to the overall design.

Matt Stark
Matt Stark
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