OF all the possible kitchen worktop materials, marble remains a firm favourite. Other surfaces may come and go according to the whims of fashion, but the classic quality of marble continues to be appreciated for its natural beauty, individuality and subtle elegance. Like other natural materials, marble ages well and develops its own character over time,' says Merlin Wright, design director of Plain English.
Marble is re-crystallised limestone, with colours, textures and veining produced as a result of metamorphic activity. When it comes to kitchen worktops, Mr Wright leans towards the timeless Carrara, Arabescato and Calacatta, with honed finishes used to create a softer look than polished. They are classic stones that are never garish and are unlikely to date,' he notes. Their quiet beauty can be used to add a layer of texture and subtle interest to a kitchen, sitting comfortably with all colours of painted furniture and blending well with a mix of other worktop materials, such as oak, iroko, sycamore and beech. 'Marble works well with everything,' says Mr Wright.
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