Design Archives

5 Things You Need To Know About Porcelain Slabs

September 10, 2016/in Design, Kitchens, Marble, Uncategorized /by keatings

Porcelain slabs are revolutionising the use of stone in commercial and home design. Overcoming the traditional pain points that natural stones can encounter, porcelain slabs are carefully engineered to be characterised by practicality, adaptability and beauty. Porcelain slabs perform excellently and could even be considered superior to natural stone. Due to a special customised set of properties, porcelain slabs are an impeccable option for basic, traditional and advanced architectural applications – for a fraction of the price.

Here are 5 key points that you need to know about porcelain slabs.

Heat and stain resistant

The practicality of having ceramic surfaces in the home is unquestionable – they require almost no maintenance. By nature porcelain is non-porous, liquids do not seep into it. Rather, they sit on the surface and spills can be cleaned up a simple wipe. Unlike marbles, they do not scratch, etch or dull from spills, heat or high temperatures.

Thin and light

Porcelain slabs are perfectly flat, and much lighter than natural stones – while being amazingly structurally sound. Its lighter weight allows for easy installation and trickier applications. It is perfect for vertical installation such as splash backs, wall coverings or building exteriors.

Cost effective

As porcelain is a ceramic, the cost of the material is considerably lower cost than marble, granite or quartzite. In general the labor costs are higher, as more specialisation is required and there is less margin for error. However in saying that – the large sizes of the slabs do minimise cutting and labor costs. Porcelain slabs can also be installed over existing surfaces – so when renovating you do not need to rip everything out of your kitchen – saving again on cost.

Eco-friendly

The production of porcelain is a carbon neutral process. Having porcelain surfaces in your home or business is ecologically sound and friendly. They do not require any harsh chemical treatment – they are cleaned simply with water and a cloth. Porcelain does not emit contaminants due to careful product design and structure. Porcelain does not allow the growth or build up of any harmful bacteria or mould.

Consistent patterning

The tiles are made to mimic the organic patterning of highly sought after natural granites and marbles. As it is man made, the veining looks organic but is wonderfully seamless. Due to the continuity from slab to slab, unsightly joins are minimised resulting in a consistent flowing surface.

Ceramic and Granite Tiles from Cerdomus Imitates Wooden Panels!

May 29, 2016/in Design /by keatings

We came across this article showcasing these stunning granite and ceramic floor tiles, which emulate wood panels. We thought it was worth sharing!

These granite tiles from Italian company Cerdomus are unusual, modern and effortlessly beautiful. Although made of ceramic-granite, the tiles mimic gorgeous wood flooring. Their unique appearance brings dynamic contrasts into modern interior design, while offering practical and convenient flooring. Wood-like floor tiles are a timeless choice that turn living spaces into luxurious and unique rooms, filled with comfort, warmth and timeless elegance.

The stone medium ensures durability and practicality – granite is more robust than a marble or man made stone. These modern floor tiles are excellent for creating original interior design and add a contemporary touch to home decorating. These stunning floor tiles are suitable for decorating almost all home interiors, from bathrooms, laundry rooms and entryways to kitchens and living rooms.

The floor tiles are made of ceramic-granite, durable and attractive, encouraging to experiment and create fresh and sophisticated floor decor. The ceramic granite floor tiles are designed for few stylish collections, ideal for different interior design and home decorating styles, from country home style to classic, contemporary and eco style. Numerous tile colour shades reflect natural wood yellowish to bleached white and brown colours of natural wood.

Monochromatic colour schemes make it easy to create a sleek and modern design for your floor decoration. If you’re after something a little more out there, the tiles are also offered in more vibrant colour combinations.

All collections from Cerdomus are 100% original, blending nature inspired themes with contemporary home decorating material.

Source: stevewilliamskitchens.co.uk

10 Unique Stone Applications

May 28, 2016/in Design /by keatings

Granite, marble, quartz and quartzite can be used for much more than benchtops. Natural stone, wherever put in the home creates a peaceful yet strong environment for you and your loved ones. Both Natural stones and man-made quartz surfaces can be used in various applications, from wall to floor, splash back, a chopping board or coaster.

If budget is a concern, opt for a smaller item and still experience the luxuries that granite, marble and quartz can bring to your special space.

Check out the examples below:

Natural stone home furniture, ‘River and Stream’ by Kreoo

May 16, 2016/in Design /by keatings

We found this article showcasing beautiful interior natural stone furniture by Kreoo. We love the natural organic form of the furniture, it is very aesthetically pleasing. Stone can be a very flexible medium, it is not reserved for flat benchtops or vanity tops. You can make sink bowls, furniture, scultpures or use it as a wall covering. Use your imagination!

“River” and “Stream” represents Kreoo’s official brand offering to the American market. On the anniversary of Kreoo’s debut at Salone del Mobile in Milan 2010, designer Enzo Berti re-interprets and re-designs Pavè, the seating system for indoor and outdoor that has become the brand’s icon.

The new seating “River” and “Stream” are comprised of marble seats set on natural wood bases and offer two unique designs. Smooth, sculptural and with a dash of whimsy, River and Stream are the new seating for indoor and outdoor featuring layered marble and wood bases in two complimentary designs. The first is streamlined and stretched with an extremely elegant effect. The second, a simple drop shape, perfectly rounded and graceful. The contrast of the marble’s intensity and the wood’s playful air provide a graceful and fluid aesthetic.

The two new models are independent, but have been designed to integrate with one another. Rivers’ elongated design compliments Stream’s rounded corner, working together to create a natural modular system with many seats. As in the entire Pavè Stone collection, River and Stream are inspired by the effect of natural river water gliding over the stones of the river bed: water flows, smoothes and polishes, forming nature’s great artwork.

The introduction of the new models offers new opportunities for designers to combine the welcoming stools that are perfect both for contract and home. Through alternate material options the Pavè Stone collection can be used both indoors and outdoors; seamlessly blending with nature or bringing its essence to an indoor space.

Source

Granites For White Kitchen Cabinetry

May 11, 2016/in Design, Kitchens /by keatings

White cabinetry is a age-old choice for any kitchen, whether you’re building or renovating your home interior. Due to the neutrality of white cabinets, choosing a benchtop colour can be overwhelming as almost anything goes! You can pick something that compliments the colours of your appliances or surrounding furniture, a artistic and bold statement piece, or simply choose a gorgeous white granite or marble for a classy but understated look.

The good news is, with white kitchen cabinets, the world really is your oyster. You can choose white granite, marble or quartz, black, gold,
red, green blue or even something a multi-coloured and out of the ordinary. Making the choice is the hard part! There are lots of things to consider to ensure you get the kitchen result of your dreams.

Granite is a natural stone, ensuring your home will harness a piece of wild nature to provide the perfect environment your looking for. Whether that be providing a warm and nurturing place to raise your family, catering for a large crowd or entertaining great friends with cheese, wine and good conversation.

Check out these images below of various granite benchtop colors matched with white cabinets and get inspired.

This could kick off the next step in your kitchen design plans and get you closer to the kitchen you deserve.

As you can see, any colour of this beautiful stone will compliment white cabinetry. It’s really up to your personality and vibe to pick something that reflects you.

As a product, granite has stood the test of time. It’s proven that is does not go out of style. It is extremely beautiful, while remaining one of the most hardest minerals on earth, resilient to heat, scratches and stains. It’s exceptionally easy to clean – making it low maintenance. Why would you not choose this extraordinary stone to grace your home?

Check Out These Surreal Marble & Resin Tables By Alexandre Chapelin

April 9, 2016/in Design /by keatings

A table can pack the beauty of a pristine waterfront beach house—that is, if it’s made by Caribbean-based designer Alexandre Chapelin. His marble and resin furniture is sculptural in nature, as evidenced by the stunning new offerings he’s just added to his ongoing Lagoon table series. By combining the sandy rock with a gradient of deep blue resins, he echoes the deepening azure of the ocean itself.

No two of Chapelin’s creations will ever look the same. “I refuse to make a manufactured product,” he tells The Creators Prpject. “Each model is unique, and I cannot produce two identical tables, so neither will two people own the same table of my creation. I’ve always respected the difference between people, their personalities and characters, and I believe this should reflect in the interior design of their own homes. Therefore our concept is for no two people to ever own the same table.”

His latest work is Lagoon 55, a series of two coffee tables that look like an exotic Caribbean coastline meeting an aquifer, or underwater cave system. You can order your own bespoke version of the tables, created exactly to the measurements that make sense for your home,on his website.

(Source, thisiscolossal.com, thecreatorsproject.vice.com)

Kora Bathtub cut from one single block of marble

April 9, 2016/in Design /by keatings

Designed by Kreeo the ‘Kora’, is an elegant ellipsoidal marble bathtub, that gives uniformity and elegance to the bathroom ambiance, evoking the ancient Tibetan bells. Born as a complement to the gong washbasin, Kora also has a reference to a traditional musical instrument of West Africa, characterized by an elliptical shape. The reference to the music, and specifically to the sound of water, with its quiet and silent impetuosity, is the soundtrack of a new way of experiencing the bathroom of contemporary people, and the Kora is its main protagonist.

The Kora is cut from one single solid block, carved with a meticulous and fine technique, achieved by digging the stone, firstly with specialized technology and then handcrafted for details and finishes. the tub rests on an iron tripod that supports its volume, giving stability and elegance. suspended from the floor, despite the strength of the material, the water finds in ‘kora’ a new lightness. marble is free from its weight and floats in the air. The Kora bathtub is presented in the version bianco estremoz but available in other colors such as bianco carrara, black marquina and grey st.marie.