bookmatched marble Archives - The Curated House

Move Over Marble | The Best of Nature + Technology Meet in New Solid Surface from Dekton

I love marble. Something about the natural veining and poetic beauty of stone carved from the earth is both decadent and timeless, perhaps in part because we’ve been using it in architectural applications since Ancient Greece. Think of any French bistro you’ve ever been in. The likelihood is that every single one had marble countertops or tabletops.

But here’s my dirty little designer secret: despite my love for marble, I have only spec’d it for kitchen counters in 3 of the countless kitchens I’ve designed over the course of my 12+ years as a residential interior designer. Bathrooms? Always. Kitchens? Almost never.

Why?

Quite simply, natural marble is too porous for the workhorse environment of a functioning kitchen. A little balsamic vinegar or rogue tomato sauce is all it takes to send a perfectionist into overdrive about the stains left behind on their precious countertop. Natural marble is as soft as it is porous, too, so scratches are just a part of the package.

THE GOOD NEWS IS, TIMES HAVE CHANGED!

It was an Instagram pic from Regina Sturrock that first had me doing my designer happy dance. She captured an image of the beautiful book-matched fireplace below, as seen at KBIS this year as a part of the Modenus Blog Tour. The beauty of the book-matched stone surround caught my attention, but it was the story behind this ultra-compact solid surface material that really got my pulse racing.

DEKTON MARRIES THE BEST OF NATURE + MODERN TECHNOLOGY

For years, solid surface manufacturers have attempted to replicate the beauty of natural stone with lacklustre results. But Dekton‘s new product line is quite simply stunning.

How do they replicate the look of nature so effectively?

Through the use of their proprietary and revolutionary technology, Dekton has created an accelerated version of the metamorphic process that takes place as natural stone is formed over thousands of years from the heat and pressure. The result is the natural look of stone cleft from the earth, but with the best of modern technological advancements, including absolute zero porosity and none of the micro-defects found in natural stone that cause tension or weakness.

BEAUTY MEETS FUNCTION | THE TECHNICAL DETAILS

Using a combination of quartz, porcelain and glass, Dekton produces ultra-compact slabs that are heat-resistant, scratch-resistant and stain-proof to a degree we’ve never seen before. In fact, Dekton is the most scratch-resistant product on the market.

And yes, I did say stain-proof. Dekton naturally prevents liquids and gasses from penetrating the surface, and because it is non-porous, it never needs to be sealed. This product line is also highly resistant to ultra violet (UV) light and will not fade or degrade over time, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Whereas most solid surface materials have a warranty that is made null and void when the material is honed, most of the options in the Dekton line up come standard with a honed finish.

If you like to be totally wowed – or if you don’t believe me on the stain-proof, ultimately scratch-resistant and heat-resistant part – check out this short video to get a sense of how virtually indestructible this material really is! Prepare for your jaw to drop.

I think we can all agree, this is a truly game changing innovation in solid surfaces. There’s absolutely nothing else like it on the market.

YOUR IMAGINATION IS THE ONLY LIMIT | APPLICATION DETAILS

Dekton‘s ultra-compact solid surface material comes in 3 thicknesses – 8mm, 12mm and 20mm – meaning vertical applications such as the interior of elevators or yachts no longer face the same restrictions based on the weight of the materials.

And for horizontal surfaces, don’t just think countertops. Dekton is just as applicable for outdoor applications, making it a brilliant solution for stairs, pool surrounds, patios and driveways as well as of course for designing the ultimate in indestructible, all-weather outdoor kitchens.

With over 5 times the strength of granite, Dekton can also be installed over greater spans, allowing for up to 12 inches of unsupported overhang on pull-up islands and peninsulas. No longer does a designer’s imagination have to be held back by the previous limitations of natural stone.

Because of the extraordinary hardness of the material, even the 8mm thick slabs can be fabricated with a mitred edge to create whatever profile thickness you desire, though European trends would suggest that thin, sleek and integrated edge profiles such as the one below are heading our way for modern kitchen designs.

I will be eagerly seeking the next opportunity to specify this remarkable product line on a project, and can say that my track record of virtually marble-less kitchen counters is on its way out thanks to the innovators at Dekton.

I hope this Design Find leaves you as inspired as I am at the possibilities! Many thanks to Regina Sturrock for the photo that pointed me in the direction of this remarkable new product.

xo
s.

A Design Find for Foodie Friday | Stunning Manmade Marble Slabs | Apparently There IS Something Like The Real Thing, Baby

I must apologize for not offering any new recipes to you over the last couple of weeks. Getting ready for Christmas and a baby has made things a little extra busy around here, so getting inventive in the kitchen has hit the back burner for a bit. There’s just less time for inspiration to strike when you’re busy trying to get everything on that to-do list done! I’m sure you all know exactly what I’m talking about.

That does not mean that I haven’t had my head in the kitchen, though! Our kitchen really is the heart of our home, as it is for all of the houses I design. It’s where we gather, where natural conversation unfolds about the meaningful stuff of life, where we create together, where we nurture each other with sustenance. Perhaps that’s why I love designing kitchens so much! It means a lot to me that the heart of the home is a happy one…and one that is as functional as it is beautiful.

With all of that said, you’ll understand why I am swooning to the point of needing a fainting couch over today’s Design Find. You think I exaggerate? I do not. Whenever a product is released that marries luxury with practicality, I get rather animated. And with this new product find, I’m basically giddy and jonesing for my next kitchen design project {or my next house so I can use this for myself!!}.

We all know and love the look of a white marble slab kitchen counter. It’s been a classic for literally centuries, but it’s also been a practical cook’s biggest dilemma. Here’s the thing: White marble + red wine, balsamic vinegar, tomatoes or anything else acidic and staining = disaster. Like, instantly. Marble is so porous that it immediately absorbs whatever you place on it, meaning that a pristine and beautifully veined white marble kitchen counter will quickly become mottled and stained if you actually cook in your kitchen.

Man made substitutes abound, but nothing has come close to replicating the natural veining and beauty of real stone. Until now. In fact, what if I told you that the kitchen pictured above was finished with manmade marble slabs? Yep. They are totally beautiful and totally not the real thing, baby. And I bet even my most discerning designer friends would never have known it if I hadn’t told you!

{Manmade Calacutta marble slab}

These incredible slabs – made and imported from Italy – are seriously this designer’s dream come true. With all of the performance of a man-made product – impermeable, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, totally stain resistant and beautifully hard wearing – these slabs are also as close to the real thing as I’ve ever seen. They can even be bookmatched to achieve the decadently custom look you see in the images below:

{Image via Pinterest}

{Image via Croma Design}

These revolutionary stone slabs are being made in a variety of stone replicas, including marbles and travertines. The slabs are 1/4″ thick, but can be mitred for as big an edge build-up as your sweet-loving heart desires.

Availability will start to increase as of January 2014, so get out the AutoCAD and start designing, friends! Those previously inaccessible kitchens just became a reality, proving dreams really do come true. This might just be enough to make me want to move so I can create a whole new kitchen. Oh boy. Those are dangerous words!

For more information on product specs and availability, contact Luis at Trends & Trades.

xo
s.