Let’s take a look at three very different kitchen projects that each use Caesarstone concrete worktops to great effect

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Concrete worktops are the look of the moment. They are sleek and minimal yet with an attractive warmth and earthiness. Concrete however is expensive, heavy  and it’s prone to crack and stain. The popular alternative are Caesarstone surfaces, available in a variety of concrete effects that not only work in an industrial style kitchen but also in Scandinavian and Art Deco designs or even as an alternative to marble in a traditional farmhouse.

In this feature we take a look at three recent kitchen projects, all featuring concrete-inspired worktops from Caesarstone. (You can browse Caesarstone’s full range of concrete surfaces here)

Archispek Kitchens win award for Scandi-influenced  kitchen

When this Edinburgh-based family approached designer Huse Kilic at Archispek Kitchens, they knew exactly what they wanted – a modern kitchen with Scandinavian design influences, characterised by natural woods, sleek lines and refined pastels.  For this joyful family kitchen Huse won this year’s kbbreview Kitchen Designer of The Year Award.

This project was part of a ground floor remodel reconfiguring the kitchen, dining and living room to create an open-plan hub that comfortably accommodates all the family.

With the new layout, the clients were conscious of how much visual space the kitchen’s cabinets would take up, so they asked that their storage resembled furniture. Huse opted for full-height oak cabinetry on the back walls along with aquamarine open shelving and a window seat alcove. Almost every storage unit is bespoke, giving each an exact function suited to the family’s needs.

From the beginning, the clients knew they wanted a tactile, concrete-finish worktop. They were searching for a sleek and minimalist surface that would mesh well with the scheme’s warmth and earthiness. Caesarstone’s 4043 Primordia delivered just that with its light concrete-coloured base with mineral speckles of off-whites and veils of grey, reflecting oxidised rusts and washed tones with traces of faint yellow and green.

Having used Caesarstone in multiple projects previously, Huse was aware of the benefits of choosing this surface. He says, “I first presented my clients with the Metropolitan Collection Surfaces to consider and Primordia was an instant hit. They loved the variation in colour and texture of the material and once I explained the low-maintenance and longevity that Caesarstone offers they were sold on it for their lifestyle as well as for the aesthetic. The coppery veins perfectly complement the oak cabinetry and green within the space, bringing the whole design together”.

Bridging the gap between old and new

This kitchen, for Georgian manor Renton Hall, was created by Inglis Hall as part of an extensive renovation. One of the biggest challenges to the project was that Inglis Hall, based in Lewes, East Sussex, are over 500 miles away from Renton Hall in the Scottish countryside. Stringent project management, attention to detail and unambiguous communication were essential.

The kitchen is the only inside route from the original house to the extension and as such it needed to allow for the effortless flow of family and guests whilst bridging the gap between new and old, modern and historic. The kitchen also needed to be a practical space for Tibi Weir, a professional jam maker, and occasionally for her chef son too. Formal dining needs were taken care of by a large dining table in the glass walkway between kitchen and living space, but the kitchen retained a social element through the small round breakfast table and an open-ended island

In the kitchen, sawn oak cladding, black Richlite and Caesarstone’s Airy Concrete surfaces combine under the tall Georgian ceilings to create a perfect mix of tone and texture. Bringing the outside in and creating a backdrop for the Weir’s array of art and collectables.  This was another key consideration for the couple and as such tall cabinetry was kept to a minimum, to let the room breathe and allow for the display of a collection of vintage posters and paintings.

Airy Concrete is a mid-tone grey that gives an airy feel to its concrete-like look and texture. Swirling with clouds of dark and light hues this textured surface adds an urban and sophisticated edge to any project. Jay Powell, design project manager for Inglis Hall says, “At Inglis Hall we particularly like the texture and movement of the Caesarstone concrete finishes. Paired with the practicality of quartz these offer a natural feeling work surface that doesn’t compromise on function. Rugged Concrete in this case was too dark, Topus Concrete too warm, Airy? perfect! A good contrast with the black Richlite cabinetry without being too harsh and textured enough to work with our sawn oak.”

(Want to see a striking restaurant project featuring Airy Concrete? click here)

Art Deco style in Notting Hill

When this client approached Kate Feather Kitchens they knew exactly what they wanted; an art-deco inspired kitchen complete with curves, colour and concealed appliances. The young French family, with three daughters, felt their previous space wasn’t conducive to their living needs so Kasio Piorko, founder of Kate Feather Kitchens, worked closely with them to reconfigure the space.

One of the client’s main wishes was to have a kitchen devoid of clutter, so clever storage solutions were incorporated into the design. These features include; a long run of cabinets painted in white; a large pantry cupboard complete with neat storage solutions; a cupboard that allows the blender and Thermomix to remain plugged in, but out of sight; as well as lots of hidden storage in the island.

One of the stand-out elements within this kitchen is the grand, arched oak unit. Designed to look like a freestanding unit, this piece adds natural warmth and character to the space, whilst disguising the integrated fridge and freezer. The back and shelves within the interior of the arch are made from Caesarstone 4023 Topus Concrete to contrast with the natural oak of the arch.

The curved and reeded island is another striking design element. Painted in Little Greene Aquamarine Deep 198, the island provides additional storage and features a breakfast bar perfect for socialising, homework or homeworking.

With plenty of worktop space throughout it was important that the chosen surface complement the scheme. Kasia says, “We presented the Caesarstone 4023 Topus Concrete sample to our client and they immediately fell in love with it. The blush tones, rough texture and mottled pattern totally won them over. Topus Concrete works exceptionally well with the colour palette of the scheme and complements the overall ambience of the design. Quality is also of the upmost importance when I design a kitchen and Caesarstone surfaces are second to none, not just because of their beauty but also because they are extremely durable and easy to clean and maintain.”

Photography: Birgit Mons Kitchen Styling: Anja Inderst