For quite a while now, people have been mixing different types of natural stones in their kitchens. It could be because they like the overall feel, but for most people, it is a cost cutting measure to ensure they look the best, while remaining within budget. Mixing different materials also helps you customise your kitchen for cleanliness and efficiency, while giving you a variety of design options for a more appealing look. It also gives people the appearance that you are not only a stylish homeowner, but one who is comfortable in the kitchen and with an understanding of cooking, and the best surfaces that can help you create different dishes.
Say for example you are looking to add marble features to your kitchen, but undertaking a whole marble redo would be above your budget. The best way is to marry the marble with different types of natural stones, to create an overall feel of style, without hurting your bank account too much. You have to however know the different combinations that work, otherwise your vision of a beautiful cooking space will be torpedoed even before you get to experience what if feels like to cook there.
To help you get started on creating the perfect kitchen, here are some natural stone blends that are likely to give you the look you are looking for:
Working with different types of stone
Mixing natural stones has for the longest time been the best way to renovate and upgrade your kitchen. This is because you can quite literally do anything you want and still get amazing results. You are also presented with a wider variety of combinations, with different types of natural stones. For instance, you can use white quartz to make your countertop, and then complement it with a brown marble on the backsplash. You can also use lemon granite in the countertop with a brown marble or glass splashback. These both combine to give your kitchen a relaxing mix of earthy colours that has a very airy feel to it.
Another use of different stones would be to create a limestone and marble hood for your kitchen. The beauty of this is that they can be crafted to suit your kitchen style, with different designs possible, including flowers and crests. Marble and limestone can also be used to create a contemporary feel in your kitchen, when limestone walls are used together with a marble countertop or kitchen island.
Travertine flooring has been used together with marble in the kitchens as well. This is because you get the best of both worlds, in the durability and practicality of travertine on the floor and the beauty of marble to complement the beige blandness that sometimes comes with travertine.
Natural stone and wood
Using natural stone and wood blends gives your kitchen a nice rustic feel, making it a comfortable space to cook and eat in. It also gives you a place to host a small gathering, such as a book club or a wine tasting, without having to use your living room. This is because, both by design and practicality, kitchens are easier to clean up than most other places in the house, including the living room. Another advantage of wood is that it gives you plenty of options for playing with different colours with your choice of paints.
You can have marble countertops that are accentuated by wood panelling or in the walls. This is because wood catches the light in a different manner in comparison, and gives you an illusion of texture thanks to the areas of light and shade it provides. Other ways you can play around with marble and wood for instance is having marble splashbacks with wooden cabinets to match.
It is important to note however, that wood requires a lot of care when used around the stove or near a kitchen sink. This means regular oiling to prevent water and heat damage.
When mixed with glass
The trend of mixing marble with glass has been around for a while. For most people, this blend is used to create a contemporary feel that is overflowing with luxury and modernity. The idea is to create a smooth reflective feel that is functional and easy to clean, while remaining beautiful.
To achieve this, you have two options. The first option is to create a custom design with marble and glass parts in your kitchen. For example, you can have marble countertops and splashbacks, and match them with glass cabinet doors that have shiny chrome handles. This is however rather expensive and might require special glass for durability and ease of cleaning. The second option is to have specially designed mosaic tiles that are made from a mixture of marble and glass. These are easy to get and come in a range of colours, from warm brown shades to some that have elements of black. They also come in neutral and earthy tones with a slight patina.
Playing around with porcelain
With this mixture, the objective is to play around with different tiles to create a colour palette that works with your design objectives. For instance, Calcutta gold marble marries very well with porcelain, both as countertops and when installed around the sink. Using both as the finishing to your kitchen island also gives beautiful results. The idea is to have a smooth and easy to clean surface that still gives the impression of space. This is definitely the way to go if you have a smaller kitchen.
What about brick?
This was usually done on the outside of the house, but the trend is slowly making its way into the interior, especially in kitchens. The overall feel is a rustic, comfortable kitchen that exudes warmth. The advantage is that brick can be combined with various other natural stones comfortably, including slate, granite, and marble. The drawback however is that brick is only useable in walls, where it does not come into contact with water.
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