While stone surfaces bring an undeniable sophistication to any kitchen, they come with a hefty price tag and can be challenging to maintain. These stone-inspired kitchen countertops by Formica, ABK Stone, Cosentino and Hari Stones offer a cost-effective and durable alternative to their stone counterparts.
Artist Kathleen (Fred) Streitenberger created the Marbled Gray 180fx laminate surface by adding a pouring medium to shades of grey paint for swirls and elaborate veining patterns similar to its inspirational material. The unique handcrafted effect has a sense of texture and visual depth that takes marble in a new artistic direction. It’s part of Formica’s Living Impressions collection.
Invisibly integrated within this porcelain surface is a three- or four-element induction hob, effectively turning countertop into cooktop and freeing up space without compromising function. Each cook zone has its own power level — all controlled via an app — and, when turned off, the material instantly becomes safe to touch. Available in large-format sizes (up to 1.6 by 3.2 metres) and a range of colourways.
A collaboration with Houston-based interior designer Nina Magon, Cosentino‘s marble-inspired Dekton Onirika collection features six patterns that bring the beauty of natural stone to the brand’s high-performance surfacing. Just one of the colourways in the entirely carbon-neutral series, Trance (shown) is a creamy grey ground accented by fine streaks that range from warm grey to reddish gold.
Vancouver interior design studio Falken Reynolds used Ceppo Di Gre on the countertop and backsplash (and island) of this local kitchen renovation, delivering an undeniable hit of rugged sophistication that nods to the house’s West Coast locale. Imported by Hari Stones, the captivating surface is defined by fragments of embedded minerals in irregular shapes and sizes and various shades of black and grey.
Stone-look surfaces bring depth and a natural expression to modern kitchens.