Inspired by World Elephant Day (12th August) as opposed to the best-selling novel, the theme for this blog is in response to the current design trend for grey décor that seems set to last and become a classic look in the kitchen, whether that is choosing grey worktops or grey painted cabinetry.
What’s your favourite?
Anyone who has picked up a Farrow & Ball paint chart, will be familiar with the weird and wonderful names that cover the full spectrum…everything from the ever-popular Elephant’s Breath to Down Pipe! Quartz suppliers like Silestone, CaesarStone, Cimstone and CRL have also embraced the current demand for using every shade of grey within the home.
The appeal of grey as a neutral base colour, lies in its ability to co-ordinate with a multitude of different accent colours that will add individuality to your own kitchen or bathroom project. It’s important to understand the underlying tone of your chosen shade which may be either a cool blue base or warmer earthy base.
Cool Blue Tones
Deciding on a grey colour scheme that sits at the cooler end of the spectrum, can work extremely well, especially against fresh modern whites. Mixing white cabinets with a cool grey quartz or granite worktop to provide a subtle contrast, you could consider Technistone Gobi Grey, Caesarstone Airy Concrete or Cimstone Nordic Grey, while Silestone Stellar Grey adds in a light-reflecting mirror chip. Darker shades will create a more dramatic contrast and include Silestone Eternal Soapstone Charcoal, Technistone Crystal Anthracite or CRL Windsor Grey.
Keeping with the theme of white cabinets, but introducing pattern to the kitchen worktop, particularly those inspired by classic blue veined Carrara Marble, leads you to Caesarstone White Attica, Cimstone Brittanica or our own TGH Statuario quartz.
Complete the look by selecting ironmongery in chrome, brushed nickel or gunmetal.
Warmer Earthy Tones
Staying with a simple contrast of white cabinets and a warm, pale grey quartz worktop with minimal pattern, the options start with Cimstone Boreas or Silestone Alumino Nube. Increasing the amount of pattern brings in Caesarstone Symphony Grey, CRL Atlantic Gris and Cimstone Cascara Bianco.
As the popularity of concrete finishes has increased, most suppliers have introduced their own versions. Although the names suggest they should be found in an industrial loft-style apartment, most fit in well with warmer colour schemes, especially when the surrounding finishes include natural stone or wood. Colours like Caesarstone Rugged Concrete, CRL Concrete Gris or Cimstone Petra Concrete for your quartz worktops will all work well.
Complete the look for these schemes with ironmongery in brass, copper or matt black.
To discuss your design and arrange a visit to our showroom to see our huge range of samples, please call 01869 324442 or email info@thegranitehouse.co.uk.
