The other night I had a dream about a kitchen. It was pale, light-filled and elegant. The cupboards were painted soft grey and there was a beautiful sweeping marble worktop. I think it might just be my dream kitchen.
Of course, when I came down to make breakfast in the morning the reality was quite different. Our kitchen was the same as ever: tired, messy and boasting a very old IKEA wooden worktop.
Marble isn’t something I’d ever contemplated in a kitchen, but this feels like a bit of divine inspiration. I was, and am, a big fan of wooden worktops. When we had our (former) dream kitchen installed in our old house, one of its main features was the solid oak worktop. It was really beautiful.
But that was about seven years ago, and I’m not sure wood would be my first choice again. Increasingly, I’m drawn to harder, shiner surfaces like granite or marble. It’s not for practical reasons – wood deteriorates, but marble is also very sensitive. It marks and stains just as badly as any bit of oiled oak. It’s a natural substance so it’s going to change as it ages – getting scratched and discoloured. In fact, it would probably be a very expensive and high-maintenance choice.
But I just love how it looks. Pale, polished marble is a wonderful, timeless look that is never going to date.
If the price (and the idea of caring for it) terrify you, then you could consider a laminate worktop in a marble finish. It might not be so sumptuous, but it’s a whole lot more practical! A great option if you’re looking for a cheap kitchen work surface.
I’m nowhere near getting a new kitchen. But I’m going to keep that bright, shiny marble-topped image firmly in my dreams.
This post was written in collaboration with Worktop Express. All thoughts and ideas are my own.
In my parents’ house we had a big marble slab as a worktop between the sink and the hob. It wasn’t trendy in the 80s but it was hard-wearing and great as a cold base for rolling pastry on.
Good point! The perfect thing for pastry. Right, that’s all the excuse I need!!
I love marble and granite worktops so much, especially in a light colour!
Have a great day Lizzie
Gemma x
Thanks Gemma! It’s just so elegant isn’t it? x
That is really jaw-droppingly gorgeous isn’t it?
We had a similar wishlist but just couldn’t justify the price. Ended up with a laminate in a rustic grey wood and it really is great. But who wouldn’t love that shiny slab of marble eh?
#HomeEtc
I know! It’s so beautiful and luxurious. x
Such beautiful inspiration! I can’t wait to change our kitchen worktops, the ones we have are hideous X #HomeEtc
Oh yes utterly beautiful 🙂 Such a gorgeous space!! Love a bit of marble. Thanks for sharing & linking up – Jess xx
#HomeEtc
We have recently replaced our worktops, I really wanted solid wood but I couldn’t convince my husband, he was worried about the maintenance. We opted for a good quality wood effect laminate. I never thought I would find a laminate that I liked but if you are willing to pay just that little bit more there are some lovely ones now. I hadn’t really considered marble, but those pictures look absolutely beautiful. x #homeetc
It’s SO gorgeous!!! I’m definitely having pale worktops when we redo our kitchen. Either pale grey quartz or even concrete. That second pic down is right up my street!!! I love it. One day….. 😉
Love the article, especially marble worktops. For me, they really do speak minimalism, modernity and contemporary style. it is simply superb and impeccable clean. I would prefer marble and granite are the best options to choose for any kind of worktops. Keep sharing Lizzie..!