subject: Kitchen Trends: Granite Worktops For The Finishing Touch [print this page] When it comes to kitchen trends, nothing has stood the test of time better than granite worktops. The clean, shiny and durable surface offered by granite worktops surpasses anything else, and is a common feature in high-end homes all around the country.
Planning a new kitchen is exciting, but takes a lot of careful thinking. This room not only needs to look good, but function to a high standard and in the most efficient way possible.
Much of the design will depend upon how you intend to use your kitchen, and how often. If you are fond of throwing dinner parties and frequently have guests at your house, it's a good idea to integrate a seating area into the kitchen. If space allows for it, why not have an island in the room? This provides a delightful informal place for people to congregate and chat over wine whilst you put the finishing touched to dinner, and also serves as handy extra workspace for dishes, pots and pans as you cook.
Space is always at a premium in the kitchen, and a nice, strategically-placed island with granite worktops is a convenient resting place for utensils as you cook.
Another feature in your kitchen to consider - if you don't already have such a thing - is an oven that's at eye-level. You'll be amazed at the difference an eye-level oven will make if you've been used to cooking with one that's situated on the floor; no more bending down to take food out or check that it's not burning.
A kitchen with granite worktops works best with a minimalist theme rather than a period-themed kitchen, but it's not uncommon to mix the two in a postmodern way. Why not have a huge Aga oven with granite worktops? If you think it works and you like what you see, then go for it. After all, it is your kitchen and you will be the one who spends the most time in it.
A popular, and striking, look to consider is a black and white theme; pure black granite worktops and floor tiles and white cupboards all around the room. The contrast gives a lovely clean minimalist look which is very striking, and looks extremely stylish. Do bear in mind though that white surfaces mark very easily, and so you will need to keep on top of the cleaning in order to pull this look off.
