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Welcome to The Granite House blog, where we share insights and advice on our range of natural stone surfaces.

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Image featuring sink and hob
Hot Takes & Cold Water: Getting Your Sink and Hob Right
When designing your kitchen, it’s easy to focus on cabinets and worktops but your sink and hob choices play a huge role in how the space looks and functions every day. As these are areas you’ll use most, getting your sink and hob right is essential. From style and layout to installation and practicality, here’s […]
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Modern outdoor kitchen and dining area with granite worktops - 5 Things to Consider
Summer’s Coming: 5 Things to Consider When Designing an Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens and purpose built cooking zones are becoming increasingly popular and are a natural extension of our homes – a place to cook, entertain and relax during the warmer months. But designing an outdoor kitchen isn’t quite the same as designing one indoors. Materials, layout, and durability all play a bigger role when your […]
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Natural looking kitchen with concrete coloured stone worktops
2026 Kitchen Trends – How Stone Features
Following on from our article about general kitchen design, let’s explore how stone features in the 2026 kitchen trends. Kitchen design continues to evolve but one thing is increasing clear, the worktop is no longer just a surface, it’s a feature. As trends shift towards warmth, texture and individuality, stone worktops are emerging as a […]
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Granite worktop installation by The Granite House Bicester
2026 Kitchen Trends – What We Are Seeing So Far
Kitchens in 2026 are moving in a clear direction: warmer, more personal, and designed for real life. While previous years focused on minimalism and uniformity, the latest research shows a shift towards texture, individuality, and longevity, with homeowners prioritising both style and practicality. Here’s a breakdown of the key kitchen trends shaping 2026, and what […]
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Kitchen island with Caesarstone Statuario Nuvo quartz, shown as inspiration for planning a 2026 kitchen renovation.
10 Kitchen Renovation Planning Tips
A kitchen update can transform how you live in your home. Done well, it adds value, improves daily life and creates a space where people feel good. However, projects run into avoidable problems because key decisions happen too late in the process. Worktops, layout details and material choices often influence the entire kitchen, yet people […]
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Stone features beyond the kitchen including marble bathroom vanity, black marble fireplace surround, stone shower enclosure and granite window sill.
Stone Features Beyond the Kitchen: Fireplaces, Bathrooms and Utility Rooms
Stone worktops are most often associated with kitchens, but stone features also enhance many other areas of the home as well. Fireplaces, bathrooms and utility rooms are three areas where stone can add both practicality and design impact. Granite, quartz, marble and sintered stone all offer durability, visual depth and long-term performance. These qualities make […]
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A marble bookmatched fireplace
From Functional to Focal Point: Your Guide to Stone Fireplaces
A fireplace naturally draws the eye the moment you enter a room. Even when unlit, it anchors the layout, giving furniture a direction and the space a sense of purpose. People arrange seating around it, sit beside it and instinctively treat it as the centre of the room. Because of that, the material surrounding the […]
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The Granite House business card displayed on a stone sample inside the Bicester showroom, showcasing local craftsmanship and personal service.
What Makes A Good Stone Fabricator? 7 Things to Look For
When planning a new kitchen, most customers focus on colour, material and price, including for worktops.  Many high street kitchen retailers will have a selection of stones, but often choosing the stone isn’t the most important decision; it’s who fabricates and installs it. Two kitchens can use the same quartz slab and end up looking […]
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Valentine's Day Food of Love
The Food of Love: A Valentine’s Celebration
Valentine’s Day is a celebration love, connection and thoughtful details. And while flowers and candles set the mood, the true heart of romance often happens in the kitchen. From preparing a candlelit dinner to sharing dessert over laughter, the right setting enhances the experience. How the Right Surface Adds to the Romance There’s something undeniably […]
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