Kitchens sell houses so if you’re considering ways to add value to your house this could be a good room to start with. However, freshening up a kitchen can be as simple as changing the worktops. There are a myriad of gorgeous and stylish options so sometimes the biggest problem is knowing where to start. Paul Mullee, MD of Cargo Granite says “The first thing you need to consider is how much work you want to put in to maintaining the look and finish of your worktop. If the idea of regular maintenance puts you off it’s better to choose something more robust. The right choice is an investment and will give any kitchen an instant face lift.”
Because of natural stone’s inherent beauty and style it remains a popular option for kitchen work surfaces. However, there is an increasing trend in the use of mixed materials. For example, mixing granite with glass. Texture is also becoming as important as colour.
We’ve put together a simple guide to help you decide which surface is right for your kitchen:
Natural Stone
Granite works really well in both traditional and very contemporary kitchens. And alongside the enduringly popular black, granite is also available in greens, blues and browns. Experiment with colours and take a look at the latest in texture, such as; leather effect and hydro-finish which produces a rough textured finish. If you want a look that has an ageless appeal then go for a polished surface but a textured finish will give you a very up to date look. You can also go for limestone or marble, which can make eye-catching work tops but be warned they are not as hard-wearing as granite and will require more attention. Granite needn’t be an expensive choice either; currently there are lots of offers around. Cargo Granite (www.cargogranite.co.uk) currently has a 40% discount on materials.
Engineered Stone
Composite stone, such as Silestone, is made from a high percentage of crushed quartz mixed with resin. Available in a large range of colours, this is a very resilient option and is really low maintenance. However, like natural stone you will probably still need the professionals in to fit the surface. Silestone is the smartest choice for hygiene conscious homeowners as it delivers both unique beauty and extreme durability. With built in Microban™ technology Silestone is the only quartz surface to provide the ultimate in kitchen hygiene.
Wood
Wood is a great option for achieving a rustic style and there are a multitude of materials to choose from; oak, walnut, teak, mahogany and cherry. However, it will require regular sanding and oiling. You’ll also have to make sure that you don’t leave water settling on the wood as this will result in warping and stains.
Laminate
For DIY’ers go for laminate. It’s reasonably simple to cut and fit yourself and there are a myriad of options available now. Laminate can be a cost effective way of freshening up a kitchen and there is a huge range of colour, finish and fake wood and granite options available.
For the adventurous
If you want to add a bit of luxury and depth to your kitchen try mixing two or three different materials. For example, use wood for the worktops with a granite prep area and glass splash backs. Work surfaces have come along way, take a look at stainless steel, concrete, copper and glass options and don’t be afraid to play with texture.
So get creative and remember, stylish kitchens can add as much as 15% to the asking price of your house.
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