If you’re designing a brand new luxury kitchen, then there’s only one real choice when it comes to worktops. This is, of course, granite. But what exactly is granite?
Granite is a type of igneous rock which was formed naturally millions of years ago. It can be found across the world, with each quarry producing its own unique stone. Variations in colour and pattern mean that no two pieces are ever the same. This is why granite would make an especially unique and eye-catching addition to your kitchen.
No other material offers quite the same level of luxe, as is evidenced by its use in luxury homes and hotels around the world. An elegant and exclusive material that is always in vogue, granite has been favoured for its unique and durable qualities for centuries. The ancient Egyptians, for example, used it extensively in the construction of their monuments and even their pyramids!
Granite remains a popular choice for luxury homes to this day, as it is an ideal material for worktops in kitchens and bathrooms. In kitchens especially granite really comes into its own. This is because it is incredibly durable and long-lasting, as well as being heat resistant. This means that hot pots and pans can be left on it without any fear of causing lasting damage. Granite is also extremely easy to maintain, needing no special cleaning process.
As well as being durable and easy to care for, granite also looks extremely eye-catching. A large part of its appeal comes from its completely unique nature. The naturally occurring patterns within granite (mottled, speckled, coloured) mean that your work surfaces will be entirely exclusive to your home. This diversity of pattern also means that there is a huge range of granite available to choose from. It comes in an array of colours, as well as a range of patterns, meaning that you can always find a piece to fit your personal style.
When selecting a piece of granite for your work surfaces, it is useful to think about the style of kitchen you are aiming to create. Are you going for a modern, clean-cut style? If so, perhaps you favour the monochrome look. If this is the case, then granite in black looks fantastic – especially with eye-catching white flecks. If you are hoping to create a Mediterranean or farmhouse-style kitchen, then perhaps a warmer colour will work better for you – a range of browns and reds are available. It’s also wise to think carefully about how the granite will match your kitchen units – brown granite surfaces might not look so good if you have a lot of pine cupboards, but a green or cream colour could really ‘pop’!
For inspiration, why not browse websites such as Pinterest, where a simple search for ‘granite kitchen’ will bring up hundreds of images to give you ideas. Even better, you could visit a showroom to look at the range of granite that is available. As every piece is so unique, it is worth looking carefully before you buy to ensure you source the piece that’s just right for your new kitchen.
Matt Morley is the Director for the leading stonemasons in Essex – Medusa Stone. Based in Basildon, Medusa Stones makes and fits stone kitchen worktops.
