When I was choosing some new kitchen worktops a few years ago I went to visit a stone supplier outside Edinburgh to have a look at different granite finishes, and I remember being amazed when seeing all the giant slabs of stone on display. It’s one thing looking at small samples of stone in a showroom but quite another seeing unfinished stone slabs in a yard. So I can only imagine how impressive it would be to see these incredible stone finishes if visiting stone specialist Gerald Culliford‘s yard at Kingston Upon Thames.
I must admit, I haven’t come across marble or granite with these rich colourways – the Marinace Verde Granite featured above and below is staggering in its complex tones and detailing. Whether used as a kitchen splashback or worktop, or to clad bathroom walls or other surface finishes, the detail and rare colouring of this granite would give any interior a unique edge.
The rich green hues of this Brazilian polished granite brings a touch of nature to this bathroom, and when teamed with organic materials and matching colours – as with the basin – this wall finish demonstrates how one surface alone can transform a space. Meanwhile below, Italian Verde Luana marble is combined with a darker palette, both in the furniture and wall colour, for a very luxe and sophisticated effect.
I’m always drawn to the look of marble in a kitchen, where a decorative slab can add impact alongside pared back and minimal cabinetry. Cue this stunning Arabescato Orobico marble, where the hints of white veining offset the crisp white cabinetry while the darker tones add depth. Beautiful, right?
And last but not least is this stunning Belvedere Satinato Natural Quartzite below. Richly veined with gorgeous honeyed tones offsetting the dark background of this stone, this finish would bring a kitchen island or worktop alive. While my default mode is towards very ‘quiet’ natural finishes, the drama of these stones would create a focal point in an otherwise understated space.
As for prices, this varies from stone to stone, ranging from £240 per m2 for the Arabescato Orobico Marble to from £350 per m2 for the Verde Luana Marble.
For more, see Gerald Culliford or visit the yard in Kingston Upon Thames in Surrey.
All photography via Gerald Culliford.
When I first scrolled down I thought the marble on the wall of the kitchen was a painting! It’s stunning, I love the contrast against the white cabinets.
Hi Lisa! Isn’t that kitchen stunning? It does look like a painting! I haven’t seen stone used like this in the flesh – in somene’s home that is. So decorative and really gorgeous.