When selecting the materials that will form your kitchen, from countertops to splashbacks and floors, it’s important to make the right choices, so that your kitchen looks great, and works for you. Kitchens, now more than ever, are the busy centre of the home, so functionality and durability are as important as look and feel!
Material
Dekton® is the ideal choice for kitchen countertops as it has high resistance to heat and scratches and allows for hot plates and cooking equipment such as pans to be set down straight from the hob or oven. Its low porosity ensures added protection against stains and easy maintenance, enabling it to withstand commonplace accidents like red wine spillages and coffee mug ring.
Baltic from the new Dekton® Chromica collection
Another hard wearing and durable choice for kitchens is Sensa by CosentinoÒ surfaces offering a selection of stunning granite and quartzite slabs, with exclusive Sen-Guard NK technology, which protects the surface from stains and harmful acids that are often found in household cleaning products.
Nilo from Sensa® by Cosentino
Floors
Choose your flooring with care. Selecting a similar tone for the floor and countertop will create a sense of flow whilst still delivering on style.
Aura 15 floors from Dekton® Natural collection.
Splashbacks
Splashbacks are now often used to create a statement in the kitchen. Whether it be through the use of colourful tiling or a single slab of material, splashbacks are stepping away from the mundane and coming into their own as a design feature. Depending on personal tastes, splashbacks can match your chosen style of countertop for a fluid feel. Alternatively, single slab splashbacks are becoming increasingly popular. These can start from the top of the countertop or back of the hob and continue up to the ceiling for a dramatic effect.
Entzo countertop waterfall and splashback from Dekton® Natural collection.
Countertop
Countertops should look good and offer practical benefits. Available in a wide range of designs, Dekton® is ideal for statement countertops. Incorporating gloss or high shine materials can transform a dark, dull room into a vibrant, light space that’s ideal for entertaining. Gloss finishes also help achieve a modern look.
Taga from Dekton® Stonika collection
Texture
If you are looking to make a statement, your desired final thickness and finish will ultimately impact your choice of material. For example, a thick countertop is a great way to instantly achieve a premium, eye-catching look. Dekton® is ideal for this type of application as it is available in thicknesses from 4mm up to 30mm. Alternatively, for those wanting a contemporary appearance, a thinner countertop will complement a wide range of colour palettes, tiles and cabinet designs. Dekton® ultra compact surfaces is available in a range of distinct finishes such as polished, smooth matte, textured, velvet and Dekton® Grip+ anti-slip solution for wet areas to help achieve a truly unique look, adding contrast and texture. Your chosen countertop can be tailored to suit your needs, whether it be creating a bespoke edge profile or fashioning stylish yet practical drainer grooves next to your sink area.
Khalo from the new Dekton® avant-Garde’20 collection
The new Uyuni colour from Dekton® is a striking white tone with an amazing icy and crystalline appearance. With these unique features, Uyuni has big impact, creating the sensation of spaciousness, light, order, cleanliness and freshness.
New Dekton® Uyuni by Cosentino, part of the Chromica collection
Space
Another important thing to consider is how much space you have available. This can also help to determine your countertop’s finish, thickness and colour. If you have a large, open plan kitchen using darker tones will help to add comfort and warmth. If your kitchen is compact or lighter, glossier materials are ideal as they will reflect light, offering the illusion of more space. The Dekton® XGloss line of surfaces is ideal for this, boasting a range of styles with a mirror-like shine. For those wanting a quartz option, selecting a Silestone® surface enhanced by N-Boost® technology ensures an unparalleled level of shine coupled with easy maintenance.
Bergen countertop from Dekton® Stonika collection
Selecting the right surfaces will distinguish a good kitchen design from a great one, and the decision process is not one to be rushed. To help, Cosentino has a valuable network of Elite and Elite Premium kitchen studios throughout Ireland which showcase a stunning range of Dekton®, Silestone® and Sensa by Cosentino® materials for you to see first-hand in their showrooms. Alternatively, a visit to one of Cosentino’s Centres will enable you to admire a wide range of full-sized slabs, ideal if you are struggling to visualise your finished kitchen in detail.
Cosentino brands are available through selected distributors around Ireland. For more information visit www.cosentino.com/en-ie/.
