We know using natural stone in your home is a great choice. It makes for excellent countertops, vanities, and tables – but designing your ideal kitchen can mean going beyond just choosing the stone (and we know you already have lots of options there). The right design accents can really add ‘pop’ to your install.
The right supports, edge profile, and finish can transform your countertops into a work of art, perfectly tailored to your taste and lifestyle. Let’s delve into some options – what can make your stone really stand out?
Braces: Supporting Your Stone with Artistry
Overhangs on kitchen islands or breakfast bars create a wonderful sense of space and flow. But it’s important to note, as we mention on our FAQ page, that stone overhangs don’t always need braces for support (see the image above). Depending on the length of the overhang, your stone can support itself just fine on its own.
That being said, braces can sometimes be more than functional support. They can provide a thoughtful artistry to a stone installment, making it more unique, tasteful, and stylish. And depending on the material and type of brace, they can easily fit a modest budget.
Here are some options:
Popular Braces
- Corbels: These architectural brackets are a classical design, often featuring scrolls, acanthus leaves, or geometric patterns. Their attention to artistic detail can add a graceful touch to your kitchen island.
For a bolder statement, you can consider ornate carvings with intricate details or figures – perhaps a grapevine motif to complement a wine-loving kitchen. Choose a material that harmonizes with your stone: wood for warmth, stone for a cohesive look, or metal for a touch of industrial chic. - Bar Brackets: These metal supports are a modern, minimalist counterpoint to the organic beauty of natural stone. Crafted from stainless steel, brushed nickel, or other metals, they create a clean, streamlined look.
Bar brackets can be straight and simple or feature decorative curves or geometric cutouts. Choose a finish that matches your faucets and appliances to sync with your overall theme. - Table Legs: Simple and straightforward, table legs seem the most unassuming option. But a thoughtful approach can make this not only an economical alternative but a clever one, too.
If available, consider repurposing antique table legs to add a vintage feel while infusing your kitchen with a touch of history – or try your local thrift shop for something more frugal that can tailor your kitchen’s tone to your personality.
Edge Profiles: Where Form Meets Function
In stone installation, an edge profile is the shape and finish of the visible edge of a stone slab. This profile is a defining element of your stone’s overall feel. It’s a subtle detail, but one that can really mark your countertop with a sophisticated look.
Popular Edge Profiles
- Eased Edge (see image above): This gently rounded edge, which may even appear squarish, is the most common and versatile choice. It offers a soft, comfortable feel and works well with almost any design style. It’s also a practical choice for families with young children, as it’s less prone to chipping than sharper profiles.
- Bevel Edge: For a contemporary look with a touch of drama, consider a beveled edge. This profile features a 45-degree angle that catches the light and adds dimension to your countertops. A beveled edge can be subtle or pronounced, depending on the thickness of your stone.
- Ogee Edge: While not the most common edge, this elegant, S-shaped curve is a ornate choice that lends the appearance of sophistication and grace to your home. It’s often found in traditional kitchens, but can also be used to soften a more modern design. The ogee edge can be a bit more delicate than other profiles, but it’s still a good option for any trafficked environment.
- Bullnose Edge: This rounded profile is similar to the eased edge but with a more pronounced curve. It’s a popular choice for kitchens because it’s easy to clean and resists chipping. The bullnose edge can be either full (rounded on both the top and bottom) or half (rounded on top only).
- Waterfall Edge (see image below): This dramatic profile extends the countertop material vertically down the side of the cabinet, creating a continuous flow that resembles a waterfall. It’s a bold statement piece that works well with both modern and traditional designs.
Finishes: Unveiling the Stone’s Character
The finish you select for your natural stone countertop is more than just an aesthetic choice. It can drastically influence how the stone feels to the touch, how it reacts to light, and even how easy it is to maintain.
In general, the finish refers to how long the stone is ‘sanded down.’ A polished finish results in the smoothest texture for a stone and will also influence its appearance, with some finishes leaving your stone looking glossier than others.
Popular Finishes:
- Polished: This high-gloss finish brings out the absolute best in your stone, revealing its full depth of color and intricate veining patterns. Light dances off a polished surface, bringing a sense of luxury to the piece. However, this finish might require a little more upkeep, as fingerprints and watermarks are soemtimes more noticeable.
- Honed: If you’re looking for a more understated elegance, a honed finish might be what you’re looking for. This matte surface offers a smooth, velvety feel without any shine. It’s a popular choice for busy kitchens because it hides everyday wear and tear a little better than a polished surface. Honed finishes can vary in their degree of smoothness, too, with some being slightly textured rather than completely flat.
- Leathered (see image above): This newer finish is gaining popularity for its unique texture and subtle sheen. The surface is slightly bumpy, reminiscent of worn leather, and offers a warm, inviting feel.
- Flamed: This high-heat treatment creates a rough, textured surface that’s ideal for outdoor applications. The intense heat causes the stone to shed its outer layer, resulting in a slip-resistant finish. Flamed finishes are often used for granite or slate patios and pool decks.
- Sandblasted: This finish involves blasting the stone with sand or other abrasives to create a textured, matte surface. It’s often used to add contrast to polished or honed surfaces. It can also be used to create anti-slip properties in wet areas like showers or pool surrounds.
However you enhance your natural stone installment, consider your goal: is stylish flair or functional gain your aim?
These little accents might not seem like much, but when done appropriately, they can take your installment to the next level. Get the most out of every stone by really considering your options, and if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
TO LEARN MORE:
To learn more about natural stone, or the Stone Central team, visit our website at StoneCentralSC.com