Darren Taylor and the Lemurian Blue granite surface on the central island in our showroom
Choosing the work surface for your new kitchen is one of the most important considerations, both in terms of its look and its functionality. At Searle & Taylor we have an array of different surface options to suit you, including quartz, granite and some of the most beautiful and unusual natural stones. We have teamed up with wholesale stone specialists, Cullifords, to find out about the latest in luxury surface trends. We showcase a natural granite worktop called Lemurian Blue on the circular island at the entrance to our showroom which we sourced from Cullifords, and we regularly work with them when we are seeking something unique and special for our clients. Once the stone slab is chosen, we organise for it to be fabricated to the correct dimensions for your layout and then it is finely polished to become a beautiful natural feature in your kitchen.
Blanco Eclipsia Quartz
Michelangelo Quartz
A versatile choice, ideal for application within the kitchen, Quartz has quickly become a staple in many modern homes. With its intricate linings and ripple detailing, Quartz is an affordable choice for homes looking for that luxurious look and feel without compromising on functionality. Â Known for its durability, man-made Quartz is extremely hard as well as stain and scratch resistant making it a suitable choice for the kitchen worktop. Michaelangelo is one of the more popular choices at Cullifords, with its soft grey veining and timeless feel; the stone offers a truly distinctive look that is unique to any space. The elegant slab will add the perfect finishing touch to the most opulent of kitchen designs.
Arabescato Orobico can be used for the walls and the worktop to make a visual statement
A kitchen surface doesn’t necessarily always mean a worktop. For characterful kitchens with large open-plan designs, surfaces can also be used to create eye-catching feature walls that impress guests whilst creating a visual statement. When selecting a stone surface, many homeowners are now opting for dark, imposing designs that complement on-trend black cabinetry. For example, Arabescato Orobico is a stunning polished marble, with a strong gothic feel. The Italian stone has earthy ripples of brown and red to contrast the more dominant grey. To reflect the emerging trend for pops of colour in the kitchen, we would recommend a slab like Marinace Verde. Characterised by falling boulders that appear to have frozen in time, the verdant green background would make an ideal choice for a striking feature wall. In addition worktops and splashbacks, more and more homeowners are experimenting with textured surfaces on their kitchen islands. The side that is typically exposed to guests is the perfect place to install a statement surface, that when contrasted with brass stools or industrial-style hardware, can create an inviting seating area with strong visual appeal.
Cosmic Black granite works perfectly with the trend for matt black brassware
The trend for dark and sultry interiors is one that has been around for a while, with the introduction of black brassware in bathrooms and monochrome design schemes in other rooms in the home, it was evident that the kitchen would soon follow suit and give in to the dark side. Ebony is the perfect stone for a home looking to recreate the matt black aesthetic. Originating from India, the tough and versatile stone would work well in a modern, minimalist space. For homeowners looking for a dark colour palette with added texture, we would suggest a stone like Cosmic Black. One of our most popular granites, the contrast of white swirls against the jet-black background has a confident and classy feel.
The Lemurian Blue work surface in the Searle & Taylor showroomÂ
Heritage colours have increased in popularity within the home. Driven by social media trends, many homeowners are now looking for kitchens that incorporate the blue colourway in unique and innovative ways. Stone surfaces are the perfect way to introduce blue into the kitchen space. A granite like Lemurian Blue is a bold choice, with its prominent blue veining and flecks of black, blue, green and gold. Rich in labradorite – a mineral known to display lustrous colours – the blue ripples of Lemurian Blue will beautifully catch the light. This blog post is a collaboration between Searle & Taylor and fine quality man-made and natural stone specialists Cullifords. Â
Searle & Taylor has been designing and creating beautiful traditional bespoke and contemporary kitchens for clients.
