We Are Closed 24th December 2025 - 5th January 2026

sil-ariel-3-2

Life is good, but Island Life is better

Kitchen design is constantly evolving and one feature that has been transformed is the kitchen island.  Originating from the humble butcher’s block, islands can be state-of-the-art, multi-function centrepieces.  Encompassing a multitude of different design tastes and styles, islands offer practical solutions to many kitchen problems.  They form the hub of socialising & entertaining at home. […]

Speak to a Specialist

Kitchen design is constantly evolving and one feature that has been transformed is the kitchen island.  Originating from the humble butcher’s block, islands can be state-of-the-art, multi-function centrepieces.  Encompassing a multitude of different design tastes and styles, islands offer practical solutions to many kitchen problems.  They form the hub of socialising & entertaining at home.

Special features

New inventions and technical innovation in extraction has liberated hobs away from needing a wall to vent fumes.  Installing a downdraft or ceiling mounted unit ensures cooking is firmly placed centre stage, at the heart of the kitchen.

With the correct plumbing in place, any shape of sink can be incorporated into an island – undermount, Belfast or even circular are possible.  Adding undercounter appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers or fridges mean you have everything close at hand.  This is what designers call the Kitchen Triangle, the ultimate goal in planning.

 

Size matters

From a stone perspective, size is the main consideration.  Joints are generally best avoided because they are more noticeable on a wide expanse.  Many suppliers have introduced XL and Super Jumbo slabs.  From Cimstone, the choice is Arcadia, Boreas, Nebula, Bianco Carrara, Olympos and Calacatta Venato.  The new CRL Cristallo range offers size & exotic colours, namely Verde, Azure, Platino and Gris.  For plain or sparkly white, RT Stone offer excellent value with Super White, Premium White or Tiny White.

To overcome a join when a larger slab is not available, options include a split-level section or contrasting material.

 

Finishing touches & luxury details

Waterfall ends, expertly pattern matched are a popular choice when it comes to adding stylish luxury.  A neat, mitred corner provides a seamless join to complete the look.

Overhang areas to accommodate seating, create a feeling of connectivity. Curves or a large radius can be used to soften the corners, especially useful when young children are in the household.

A hand-finished edge detail will elevate your project to a cut above the rest – Ogee, Dupont or Shark’s Nose are a few of the profiles we offer.

Concealed lighting channels to house LED strips add a sophisticated contemporary twist, to create mood and atmosphere for effortless home entertaining.

 

If you’re inspired to talk to us about injecting some Island Life into your home, call 01869 324442.

Related Articles

Festive kitchen scene with wine glasses and a stone worktop during festive hosting, highlighting the importance of protecting worktops.
How To Protect Your Worktops Over The Christmas Period
The festive season brings families, friends and multiple meals.  This means a bustling kitchen that see more activity in a few weeks than the rest of the year combined.  While you stone worktops are built for everyday use, the festive period means extra heat, spills, stains and foot traffic that can put natural and engineered […]
Read more
A close-up of a white quartz countertop with subtle grey veining, featuring a vintage-style brass kitchen tap, white ceramic sink, and stone-framed window in a rustic kitchen.
The Eterno Collection – Timeless Quartz for Modern Living
Beautiful design should stand the test of time, and that’s why we are proud of our Eterno range, an exclusive collection of premium quartz surfaces crafted to bring enduring elegance, practicality, and performance to every home and project we work on. Why Choose Eterno Quartz? The word Eterno means eternal, and that’s exactly what inspired this […]
Read more
Modern kitchen with Calacatta-style quartz worktops, warm wood breakfast bar, and deep green cabinetry showcasing 2026 kitchen design trends.
Worktop Trends to Watch in 2026
If you are planning a kitchen refurb for 2026, we’ve got some top tips for the hot trends in kitchen worktops.  Kitchen design in 2026 is all about natural textures, expressive details, and confident choices. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or simply looking for inspiration, the latest worktop trends offer plenty of ways to […]
Read more