In the most recent episode of the Love Your Kitchen podcast, Ross from The Surface Collection and I dive into the fascinating topic of worktop textures, exploring how they can elevate the overall look and feel of a kitchen. The discussion goes beyond aesthetic appeal, addressing the practical aspects of selecting the right textured material for your kitchen. We cover topics like marble formation, solid surface pricing, and, most importantly, how texture plays a key role in enhancing both the functionality and beauty of your worktop.
Why Texture Matters in Kitchen Worktops: Texture is an essential element in kitchen design that affects both the tactile and visual experience of the space. When considering a new worktop, homeowners often focus on colour, material, and pricing, while texture is sometimes an afterthought. However, it has the power to transform the entire look of a stone. The texture applied to worktops varies based on the type of stone; for instance, a subtle honed texture is popular for reducing the natural shine of polished quartz or granite. On the other hand, a more textured finish, like the 'leathered' finish, can completely change the appearance of natural stone. Let's take a look at some examples so you can see for yourself!
Cosmic Black
Worktop Selection & Photo credit: The Surface Collection
Photo Credit Cosmic Black Granite is quarried primarily in Brazil, a country famous for its vast array of exotic and high-quality natural stones. Brazilian granite is highly regarded for its durability and unique patterns, often featuring bold, vibrant veins and flecks of different colours due to the country’s rich geological composition. The geographical conditions and mineral deposits in Brazil contribute to the striking colours and patterns found in Cosmic Black Granite.
Here’s an example of Cosmic Black Granite in a polished finish. This finish creates a strong contrast, highlighting the stone’s varied colours. While a dark, polished worktop can make a bold statement in any kitchen design, it’s worth noting that finger marks can be more noticeable on this surface. To create a leathered finish on a natural stone like this, the surface is brushed with diamond-tipped brushes. These abrasive tools are designed to remove the top polished layer of the stone. The brushes vary in coarseness and are used to selectively grind down certain areas, creating a textured effect. This process accentuates the natural grain and imperfections in the stone, giving it a soft, leather-like texture.
Take a look at this image showing the same stone with a leathered texture. Notice how it changes the entire look!
Cosmic Black Polished
Photo credit: The Surface Collection
Cosmic Black with a leathered texture applied
Photo Credit - The Surface Collection
Same stone but a completely different look! This is why asking your kitchen designer or visiting your local stone merchant is so important! Be sure to explore the different textures to all of your favourite worktops before finalising your furniture, and interior choices.
It’s the same stone, but a completely different look! This is why it’s essential to ask your kitchen designer or visit your local stone merchant to explore different textures before making final decisions about your kitchen’s worktops and finishes.
Taj Mahal Quartzite
Surface Selection & Photo credit: The Surface Collection
Taj Mahal Quartzite worktop is a highly sought-after material in modern kitchens and originates from natural stone quarries in Brazil. Despite its name, it is not related to the actual Taj Mahal monument in India. The stone gets its name due to its resemblance to the iconic white marble of the Taj Mahal, with its soft, creamy colours and subtle veining. This stones neutral tones and soft veining gives a luxurious marble-like appearance but with the durability of quartzite making it a popular choice for any home.
Here’s an example of Taj Mahal Quartzite in a leathered finish. While the change from polished to leathered is subtler for this stone, the difference is still noticeable. The leathered finish mutes the contrast between the veins and creates a softer, almost sandy-like texture.
Photo Credit - The Surface Collection
When choosing between the two finishes for this worktop, consider the overall feel of the room. If you’re aiming for natural, soft finishes throughout, the leathered finish works beautifully. However, if you prefer a bit of shine or have incorporated polished metals or statement hardware, the polished finish might be the better choice.
Final Thoughts:
By looking at these examples you can see how adding a different finish to your kitchen worktop can dramatically transform the look of your kitchen, adding both visual interest and practical functionality. Whether you prefer the smoothness of a polished finish or want to experiment with textured finishes to create a personalised look, texture plays a crucial role in making your kitchen stand out. As Ross and I discussed in the episode, it’s all about striking a balance between the various finishes in your space, ensuring you select the best worktop for your lifestyle and design goals.
To listen to the full episode on my Love Your Kitchen podcast, check out Episode 27: "Ways to Incorporate Texture onto Your Worktop, Marble Formation, and Solid Surface Pricing."
Last week's episode is also about worktops and discusses how to create a cohesive design, the varying durability of natural stone, and different kitchen worktop choices.
"Episode 26: Which Worktop is Right for You? Worktop Choices, Cohesive Design Tips, and Enhancing Natural Stone's Durability
Listen here: Love Your Kitchen Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts
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