For many Mowlem and Co. clients a long-lasting kitchen is a given, spaces that stand the test of time both in style and functionality. When we asked what played an important part in this, our designers felt aside from design it was the elements that truly carried the weight. Choosing strong, durable, and timeless finishes and materials, and perhaps the one material they felt consistently outshone the rest is stone. Stone has been a trusted kitchen companion for centuries, and for good reason. It never goes out of style, there are countless designs to choose from, and it can last for generations.
When it comes to kitchen stone trends, there are plenty of emerging and popular options that align perfectly, from sleek and modern to timeless and textural, these stones are setting the tone for stylish, high-performing kitchens. Let’s have a look at some of the best.
Concrete
This super urban material has made its way into modern kitchens, creating ultra contemporary, stylish and hard-wearing worktops and splashbacks that instantly transport kitchen design into the 21st century. Although you may be put off initially by this rather brutalist looking component, concreate actually has a wonderful natural tone and can fill a space with warmth and interest. The beauty of concrete is it mixes so well with other materials, such as wood, marble, copper and brass, which can all tone down its raw tendencies. “Exposed concrete has moved on from being just an architectural industrial material to a source of inspiration, we’ve had great fun implementing this material into recent designs and the results have been incredible” comments Gary Mowlem, Founder at Mowlem and Co.
Coloured Stone
A wonderful way to bring colour into your kitchen aside from paint is coloured stone, and with an astonishing range of colours offered now you’ll have a veritable painter’s palette of hues to choose from. A giddying choice of bold and tones from red, green, and grey marbles, as well as sleek black and charcoal granites, all embracing a stylish, modern, and bold aesthetic that’s open to such experimentation. “Rich or primary-coloured stones are a wonderful feature in any kitchen, whether paired with more neutral cabinetry or darker, moodier finishes the combination is really striking and creates such a emotive design” says Lois Riley, Senior Designer at Mowlem and Co.
Marble
Marble is the epitome of luxury, emulating classic beauty, and a timeless style that will certainly endure over time. While marble is a perennial favourite in modern kitchen design, Arabescato marble has recently gained popularity, and we’ve had the pleasure of implementing it in many clients’ designs. This soft-coloured marble features bold, beautiful grey veining, making it a standout choice not only for kitchen countertops but also for bathrooms and other interior applications. We have used marble throughout homes in various project of late and it’s been a joy to see how its versatility brings beauty to other rooms. “Arabescato marble is perfect if you want to give a dramatic effect, a real focal point in the kitchen or elsewhere in the home, it’s also wonderfully durable so it’s a win win” says James Lambert, Senior Designer at Mowlem and Co.
Quartz
One thing that’s undeniable about quartz is its magnificent aesthetics. It is incredibly striking and sleek, adding a luxurious feel to any design. This strong, long-lasting material also offers several benefits, including hardy durability and a low maintenance upkeep. A huge advantage is a quartz surface is also non-porous, meaning it’s a lot less likely to get stained or cracked. Since it’s made with pigments and materials like recycled glass, quartz surfaces have timeless appeal with looks that mimic nature in a man-made product, which equates to endless colour combinations and finishes “I love the strong effect Quartz has on designs, its dramatic but also super chic. I would look at natural quartz as it offers the most variety of textural and colour finishes” comments Emma Wisemen Senior Designer at Mowlem and Co.
When it comes to any decision with regards your kitchen, choosing the styles and material for the most important surface of your home, it is not something to be done in isolation. The materials, colours, and textures you choose will all impact your selection and the overall look and feel in your kitchen. So it’s something you should be considering at the very early stages of your kitchen design and that’s where we can help.
We have showrooms in Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne and on the Kings Road in London, and we welcome you in to discuss any of your design ideas in the kitchen and beyond.