How To Choose The Perfect Worktop For Your Home From Gunter & Co: Part 1
Helpful design tips for choosing kitchen worktops by London Interior Design expert, Irene Gunter
One of the questions that always comes up when we work on kitchen projects is ‘What is the best worktop for a kitchen?’ And of course, there are several answers, all of which depend on the amount of use each worktop area will have, what colours and textures you prefer, and whether or not the finished look is going to be traditional or contemporary.
The first things we think about and discuss with our clients is whether they want the worktop to look brand-new and pristine for its entire life of daily use, or whether they are happy for the worktop to gradually develop a patina and signs of ageing. This, of course, is taken into consideration alongside the overall architectural style of the house – is it super-modern and streamlined, or is it a traditional building with classic interiors? Or, it may be a mix of both! We often work within Georgian homes that have original (or re-instated) architectural details such as joinery and plasterwork, but where the kitchen itself may be ultra-contemporary.
If you’re open to the idea of patina and gentle ageing where a worktop is concerned, there’s nothing more beautiful than the choice of marble. Real marble has unique veining patterns and colours and no two pieces are the same, plus the depth of colour is unparalleled even in the most technologically advanced imitations.. We will visit the stone yards in London or Italy personally to choose each individual slab to be used. Another choice if you’re going down the patina and ageing route is to use a solid timber worktop, although we only use it in small quantities as it can become overbearingly rustic. Sections of solid timber worktop look good in a large, busy kitchen, they can be used to demarcate different areas, as well as adding colour and a change of texture. We do always remind our clients that wood tops have to be oiled occasionally so if you’re looking for super low maintenance it might not be for you.
I like to think that worktops don’t always have to be the same, and they don’t all have to match – even within one kitchen. Sometimes it can work to have a solid wood worktop either side of a breakfast cupboard, which itself may have a concealed marble or quartz surface. A solid wood surface often features as the end of a breakfast bar or island – indicating the sociable dining space, whilst the rest of the island, perhaps dedicated to prep and serving, maybe a stone or quartz surface. We are always keen to discuss different kitchen worktop ideas and combinations to get the best look and use from the space!
A great vintage, aged or reclaimed look can be achieved by incorporating sections of reclaimed stone within a worktop. I have been known to spend ages scrolling through eBay and reclamation websites looking for old tables or washstands that have worn stone or marble tops, which I can then turn into a section of work surface for an island. We have also been known to use old planks or antique tiles, too! If they can be cleaned, sanded, smoothed and sealed we will give it a go. However, I will always avoid work surfaces with ridges or grooves (such as those from tile joins) as those surfaces would be tricky to keep completely hygienic.
Black granite has been extremely popular over the last few years – often teamed with cream or white painted cabinetry. I rather suspect that it’s had its day now though, but as granite is such a beautiful and hard-wearing stone I often suggest to clients that we go and have a look around a yard to see all of the other colours that are available. There are often amazing blues, greens, russets and whites to be found. It depends on the quantity available for some of the more unusual colours, but it’s always worth a look as a single coloured slab might be just right for a focal-point island.
Now onto achieving a ‘pristine’ look … Many clients want to discuss stainless steel work surfaces if their new kitchen is going to be super-modern. Stainless steel surfaces can be tricky … they always look fabulous and perfect when first installed. But after a bit of use, the surface will accumulate tiny scratches – which soon becomes an all-over ‘patina’, and which is unavoidable. However, brushed and pre-scratched finishes are available, which means you don’t have to go through the initial shiny stage! When thinking about modern kitchen worktops, remember that stainless steel is hygienic, heatproof and can be easily cleaned – that’s why it’s used in professional kitchens. Stainless steel worktops can accommodate various styles – from ultra-thin tops, which are basically a thin, (around 6mm) solid sheet of stainless steel, to chunky tops, which are achieved by folding a sheet of stainless steel around a thicker base.
Some suppliers to inspire you:
Marble & Granite: Marble Granite Limestone Warehouse and Gerald Culliford are our go-to suppliers for marble and granite, they also supply a beautiful range of quartz, ceramic and limestone.
Stainless Steel: For stainless steel worktops, stainless steel cabinets and stainless steel splashbacks we recommend Cavendish Equipment. We’ve also heard good things about SteelArt ™ from Blanco; Integral sinks, tops and drainers from Reginox and Franke – for brushed finishes and integral hobs.
Timber: Norfolk Oak, also cherry, end grain, mahogany, walnut and more; Earthy Timber for dramatic live edge designs.