Discover expert advice and some very important points to consider before you choose your kitchen surfaces …
DURABILITY
Durability is key when choosing your kitchen surfaces, if all goes according to plan, you will have these surfaces in place for a long time. No matter how careful we are, there should always be leeway for accidents or mistakes in a kitchen (it is the most hardworking room in the house after all). A lot of this choice will depend on your family life and how many people you have in the house – but countertops that are able to withstand hot items tend to be the best choice for a busy family life. Interior designers often say Quartzite, Decton and Silestone, manmade products, are all great choices for dealing with heat. Timber, oak and wood countertops are of course gorgeous and suit many – but they do demand more upkeep and care. www.painesandgray.co.uk
MANMADE MATERIAL FOR A SPLASHBACK
There are many benefits to natural stone in a kitchen, but it is soft and can stain very easily – and sometimes irreversibly. When it comes to the splashback, interior designers often say that manmade materials are the best for placing at a splashback, as they can withstand the wear and tear that comes from the hob. But that doesn’t mean you can’t attain the same elegance of a natural material. Dekton, Silestone, Quartzite, glass, stainless steel and tiles all work wonderfully at the splashback of a kitchen. This Cosentino kitchen makes use of Dekton, Trilium on their countertop and at the splashback. www.cosentino.com
TRUST AND EXPERTISE
Quality materials and outsourcing expertise are key to getting it right. It is important to know that the people you have entrusted to source your materials and insert them are reliable, flexible and passionate about what they’re doing. This kitchen displays the work of the experts at Millers Brothers Studio. They have a team of carefully chosen professionals, with a range of specialist skill-sets, sourced from all over the world. Most importantly, they can help you with any challenges you may face and can achieve deadlines and work within set budgets. See our kitchen design directory for more people you can trust. www.millerbrothers.ie
AFTERCARE
Choosing surface materials for your kitchen countertop is an exciting process – the shade, the style, the overall look. But aftercare is key in keeping your kitchen looking fresh and polished for years to come. Be sure to ask your material provider or kitchen designer about what the aftercare might entail. The experts at BeSpace will inform you of suitable products to use on your surfaces (they are not always what you think they are). www.bespace.ie
WOODEN COUNTERTOPS WILL NEED PROTECTING
Whatever wood you choose, oak, walnut, beech, iroko, ash, maple or bamboo, if you take care of your wooden worktop, it will last a lifetime. These surfaces are certainly more prone to scratches and burns than marble or quartz, so take the time to consider if that will work for you and your lifestyle. They always look classic in a kitchen and are great paired with most colours. But when choosing your wooden surface, always ask the provider how they intend to protect the countertop, and what aftercare you can give it. www.devolkitchens.co.uk
STEEL IS SOLID
Consider what you want out of your kitchen. If you have goals of becoming a star chef you will certainly want surfaces that are hardwearing, easy to clean and fuss-free. Stainless steel or metal are always great, durable materials for someone who loves to cook. A metal splashback or countertop is a clever use of the material as it is hardwearing, heat resistant and hygenic. Plus these type of surfaces naturally have antimicrobial properties – which make them great for a chef’s kitchen. Consider other heat resistant surfaces like Dekton or Silestone. This Bulthaup kitchen countertop (above) means business. There is no added storage it is strictly a work station in this old schoolhouse kitchen. www.devolkitchens.co.uk
SUSTAINABILE CHOICES
There is no doubt that planning a kitchen redesign is a big job, and with all of the planning and costs involved, it makes sense that we want to consider every aspect. When it comes to choosing your kitchen materials it is great to talk about the sustainable choices you can make, with whichever experts you are working with. It is good to think about the effects of mass importation, over-ordering and you can think economically about if you can use the material in other places, and not let so much go to waste. Interior designer Sara Cosgrove says this is something she considers always in her designs. www.saracosgrove.com
