Part Three: Kitchen Materials, Finishes and the Confidence to Use Colour
By Mal Corboy, Mal Corboy Design
In the first two articles in this series, we looked at planning a kitchen around functional work zones and coordinating appliances with New Zealand building requirements.
Once those foundations are in place, we can begin shaping the visual character of the kitchen.
Materials and colour have an enormous effect on how a kitchen feels, but appearance should never be considered separately from maintenance and durability.
A client who enjoys the natural changes that occur in stone may love marble. Someone who wants a surface to remain highly consistent may be happier with porcelain. A family kitchen may need different finishes from an apartment used primarily for entertaining.
At Mal Corboy Design, we select materials according to the client, the architecture and the way the kitchen will be used.
You can view examples of natural stone, porcelain, Corian, veneer, lacquered cabinetry and bold colour at www.malcorboy.com.
Choosing a Kitchen Bench Top
The bench top is one of the hardest-working surfaces in the home.
It may be exposed to hot cookware, sharp utensils, liquids, oils, acidic ingredients and frequent cleaning. It is also one of the most visually prominent features in the kitchen.
There is no single material that is perfect for every client. The best choice depends on:
- The desired appearance
- Cooking habits
- Tolerance for marks and patina
- Maintenance expectations
- Edge details
- Budget
- Repairability
- The surrounding cabinetry and flooring
The material should be chosen with an honest understanding of how it will behave.
Granite Bench Tops
Granite is a natural stone, with each slab offering its own variation in colour, movement and pattern.
Advantages of granite
Granite is generally durable and well suited to busy kitchens when the correct stone is selected, fabricated and maintained.
It offers:
- Natural depth and variation
- A wide range of colours
- Good everyday durability
- Polished, honed and textured finishes
- Strong visual character
- The authenticity of a natural material
Some granites have dramatic movement, while others are relatively quiet and uniform.
Considerations with granite
Because it is natural, the appearance can vary significantly between slabs. Small samples do not show the full pattern, so I prefer clients to view and approve the actual slab where possible.
Depending on the variety and finish, granite may require sealing. Edges can chip if struck by a heavy object, and joins may remain visible.
Although stone generally tolerates heat well, trivets are still recommended. Rapid temperature changes and very hot cookware can create unnecessary risk.
Granite suits clients who value natural variation and are comfortable with the material developing character over time.
Marble Bench Tops
Marble has a softness, depth and elegance that are difficult to reproduce.
Every slab is unique, and the veining can make the bench top feel more like a crafted piece of furniture than a standard kitchen surface.
Advantages of marble
Marble provides:
- Distinctive natural veining
- A refined and timeless appearance
- A cool working surface
- Beautiful slab-to-slab variation
- The ability to create dramatic book-matched details
It can work particularly well in kitchens where the client appreciates natural materials and expects them to age.
Considerations with marble
Marble is vulnerable to etching from acids such as lemon juice, vinegar and wine. It can also scratch and stain.
Sealing can help reduce staining, but it does not prevent etching because etching is a reaction with the stone itself.
A honed finish can make marks feel less obvious than a highly polished finish, but it does not make the material maintenance-free.
Some clients enjoy the patina that develops over time. Others find every mark distressing. That conversation needs to happen before the stone is selected.
Marble is a wonderful material when it matches the client’s expectations.
Solid-Surface Bench Tops, Including Corian
Solid-surface materials such as Corian can be joined with very little visible interruption and shaped into curves, integrated sinks and seamless upstands.
Advantages of solid surface
Solid surface provides:
- A smooth, continuous appearance
- Minimal visible joins
- Integrated sinks and draining details
- A non-porous surface
- A warm, tactile quality
- The ability to create curves
- Repairability in many situations
Localised scratches, chips and damage can often be sanded, repaired or refinished by an experienced fabricator.
This repairability makes solid surface an excellent option for clients planning a long-term home.
Considerations with solid surface
It is softer than granite or porcelain and can scratch. Dark colours generally show fine marks more readily than light or patterned finishes.
Direct heat can cause damage, so hot cookware should be placed on a trivet.
The appearance can be beautifully minimal, although some clients prefer the natural variation and movement found in stone.
Porcelain Bench Tops
Large-format porcelain has become an important material in contemporary kitchen design.
It can reproduce the appearance of stone, concrete or metal while offering strong practical performance.
Advantages of porcelain
Quality porcelain slabs are generally:
- Highly resistant to stains
- Resistant to heat
- Very low in porosity
- Resistant to ultraviolet light
- Easy to clean
- Available in thin, refined profiles
- Suitable for matching bench tops and splashbacks
Porcelain can be particularly useful where the client loves the appearance of marble but does not want marble’s sensitivity to acids and staining.
It also works well in kitchens with strong sunlight because ultraviolet exposure is less likely to alter the surface colour.
Considerations with porcelain
Edges can chip if struck sharply. Fabrication requires specialist equipment and experienced installers.
The quality of edge detailing is extremely important. Poorly executed mitres or exposed substrate lines can undermine the appearance.
Repairs are generally more difficult than with solid surface. Vein matching also needs careful planning when the material continues over waterfall ends or up a splashback.
Combining Bench-Top Materials
A kitchen does not always need to use the same material everywhere.
We may use a hard-wearing porcelain surface in the main preparation area and introduce natural stone on a feature island. Solid surface may be used where a seamless sink is required, while a different material creates visual emphasis elsewhere.
Combining materials can add depth, but it needs restraint. Too many unrelated finishes can make the room feel fragmented.
The junctions, thicknesses and edge profiles should be resolved carefully so the combination appears intentional.
Cabinetry Finishes
Cabinetry occupies more visual area than almost any other element in the kitchen.
Its finish affects the atmosphere of the room, the way light is reflected and how easily everyday marks can be seen.
We often combine finishes to create balance. Natural veneer may add warmth, lacquer can introduce colour, and glass or metal can provide contrast.
Natural Veneer
Veneer provides the beauty of real timber while allowing the grain to be arranged across large cabinet surfaces.
Different cutting methods create different visual effects. Veneer can be:
- Crown cut
- Quarter cut
- Book matched
- Slip matched
- Laid vertically or horizontally
- Stained to achieve a particular tone
Advantages of veneer
Veneer brings:
- Warmth
- Natural character
- Depth and variation
- A strong connection to furniture
- Greater control over grain than solid timber
- The ability to create continuous visual patterns
It is particularly effective on islands, tall cabinetry and feature walls.
Considerations with veneer
Natural variation is part of its character. The final cabinetry may not look identical to a small sample.
Timber can also change colour with age and ultraviolet exposure. Some species become warmer or darker, while others may fade.
The grain needs to be carefully laid out. Poor matching can make expensive cabinetry appear disjointed.
A skilled designer and cabinetmaker will consider how the grain continues across doors, drawers and panels before manufacturing begins.Â
Lacquered Cabinetry
Lacquer provides enormous colour freedom and can be produced in finishes ranging from high gloss to very low sheen.
Advantages of lacquer
Lacquer allows us to:
- Match almost any colour
- Coordinate cabinetry with walls or furniture
- Create smooth, refined edges
- Use bold or subtle colour
- Choose from multiple sheen levels
- Repair or refinish some localised damage
It is one of the most versatile finishes for a highly personalised kitchen.
Considerations with lacquer
Painted surfaces can chip, especially on frequently used corners and edges.
High-gloss finishes tend to show fingerprints and reflections. Very dark matte finishes may show oils and polishing marks.
The quality of the substrate and preparation beneath the lacquer is critical. A beautiful colour cannot disguise poorly made cabinetry.
Clients should also consider how the sheen will behave in the room’s lighting. The same colour can look quite different in gloss, satin and matte finishes.
Melamine and Decorative Board
Modern melamine and decorative boards are available in convincing timber patterns, textured surfaces and sophisticated solid colours.
Advantages
They are generally:
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Consistent in colour
- Cost-effective
- Available in many finishes
- Practical for cabinet interiors and sculleries
They can also be used successfully throughout a kitchen when selected carefully.
Considerations
Applied edging may remain visible, particularly on lighter colours or heavily textured finishes.
Decorative boards offer less flexibility than lacquer or veneer for curved surfaces and specialised details.
The quality of the board, edging and cabinet construction has a significant effect on the finished result.
High-Pressure Laminate
High-pressure laminate is robust and available in a wide range of colours and textures.
It performs well in busy family homes, laundries, sculleries and rental properties where durability and easy maintenance are priorities.
As with melamine, the edge details need attention. A poorly considered edge can make the finish appear more economical than it needs to.
Glass, Metal and Specialist Cabinet Finishes
Glass and metal can introduce depth and contrast when used selectively.
Options may include:
- Clear glass
- Smoked glass
- Fluted glass
- Reeded glass
- Stainless steel
- Powder-coated metal
- Textured metal
- Decorative mesh
- Leather-look panels
- Specialist plaster or stone finishes
Glass-fronted cabinetry is excellent for displaying carefully chosen objects, but it also reveals everything inside. An entire wall of glass doors may create more visual activity than the client expects.
Metal provides a crisp, architectural quality but may show fingerprints and cleaning marks.
These finishes often work best as accents rather than being used across every surface.
Choosing a Splashback
The splashback protects the wall while creating a visual connection between the bench top and cabinetry.
Its practicality depends on the material, the number of joints and the texture of the surface.
Tile Splashbacks
Tiles provide an almost unlimited range of colours, shapes and textures.
They can introduce craft, pattern and individuality, from handmade glazed tiles to large-format porcelain.
Advantages
- Wide variety
- Opportunities for colour and pattern
- Individual character
- Replaceable sections if damaged
- Options for many budgets
Considerations
Grout requires cleaning and can discolour. Small-format tiles create more grout lines, while heavily textured surfaces can trap grease behind a cooktop.
Grout colour has a major effect. Matching grout creates a quieter appearance, while contrasting grout emphasises the tile pattern.
Tiles should also be planned around power points, cabinetry lines and the rangehood so awkward cuts are avoided.
Toughened-Glass Splashbacks
Back-painted glass creates a smooth, uninterrupted surface and can be produced in almost any colour.
Advantages
- Easy to wipe clean
- No grout lines
- Broad colour choice
- A crisp, contemporary appearance
- Ability to reflect light
Smoked, mirrored or tinted glass can also create depth.
Considerations
Measurements and penetrations need to be final before the glass is toughened. Holes cannot be casually altered on site.
Fingerprints, grease and water marks may be visible, particularly on darker colours.
The glass must be correctly specified for its location and installed in accordance with appliance and safety requirements.
Natural-Stone Splashbacks
Continuing the bench-top stone onto the splashback creates a luxurious, cohesive appearance.
The veining can become a strong focal point, particularly when the slab is carefully selected and positioned.
The same maintenance considerations apply as they do to the bench top. Marble remains vulnerable to etching, while some stones require sealing.
Large slabs also need careful planning around power points, corners and joins.
Porcelain-Slab Splashbacks
Porcelain is excellent for creating a large-format splashback with few visible joints.
It can match the bench top or introduce a contrasting pattern.
Advantages
- Easy to clean
- Low porosity
- Heat and stain resistance
- Large-format appearance
- Ability to replicate stone or metal
Considerations
Cut-outs for power points and fittings must be precisely planned. Vein alignment should be resolved before fabrication, particularly where the splashback meets a waterfall end or adjoining panel.
Stainless-Steel Splashbacks
Stainless steel has a professional, practical character.
It is well suited to cooking areas because it is heat resistant and easy to clean.
However, it will show fingerprints, fine scratches and wiping marks. Over time, these may develop into an even patina.
Stainless steel works particularly well when it connects visually with appliances or other metal details.
Mirrored Splashbacks
A mirrored splashback can make a smaller kitchen feel lighter and more spacious.
Smoked or antiqued mirror often creates a softer result than clear mirror and is more forgiving of everyday marks.
The reflection should be considered carefully. A mirror will repeat whatever sits opposite it, whether that is a garden view, a beautiful room or a cluttered bench.
Do Not Be Afraid of Colour
Many homeowners feel pressure to keep their kitchens neutral for resale.
Neutral kitchens can be beautiful, but they should be neutral because that genuinely suits the client and the architecture, rather than because the homeowner is afraid to make a decision.
Colour can give a kitchen warmth, personality and a strong sense of identity.
It may be introduced through:
- A coloured island
- Lacquered tall cabinetry
- A glass splashback
- Stained veneer
- Feature handles
- Metal accents
- Upholstered stools
- Pendant lighting
- A contrasting pantry interior
- A bold appliance
A colourful kitchen does not need to feel overwhelming. One strong element can be balanced by quieter surrounding materials.
For example, deep green cabinetry may sit beautifully beside warm timber and pale stone. Rich blue lacquer can be grounded by brushed metal and neutral flooring. A vivid glass splashback can bring energy to otherwise restrained cabinetry.
Choosing Colour That Will Last
Longevity does not require removing all personality.
A colour that reflects the client and works with the home may remain meaningful for much longer than a fashionable neutral selected without conviction.
We consider:
- Natural light
- Room orientation
- Ceiling height
- Flooring
- Adjoining rooms
- Artwork
- Furniture
- Metal finishes
- The sheen of the cabinetry
- How the colour changes throughout the day
A sample viewed beneath showroom lighting may look completely different in a south-facing New Zealand kitchen on a winter afternoon.
Large samples should be viewed in the actual space and beside the proposed bench top, flooring and wall colours.
Sheen also changes colour perception. A high-gloss finish reflects light and surrounding objects, while a matte finish absorbs more light and can appear deeper.
Why a Designer Makes a Difference
Material selection can feel overwhelming because every decision affects another.
The bench top needs to work with the cabinetry. The cabinetry needs to relate to the flooring. The splashback must suit the rangehood, power points and lighting. The colours need to connect with the adjoining rooms.
A designer helps clients look beyond isolated samples and understand how the complete composition will feel.
We also explain how materials will perform in daily life. A surface should not be recommended solely because it photographs beautifully. The client needs to understand its maintenance, durability and likely ageing.
Many kitchens are sold from a limited product range. A bespoke designer can consider a broader selection of manufacturers, materials and specialist finishes, then combine them around the needs of the project.
At Mal Corboy Design, we design kitchens as part of the complete interior. That includes layout, cabinetry, finishes, appliances, lighting, furniture and the relationship with the surrounding architecture.
Bringing the Kitchen Together
A successful kitchen is the result of many connected decisions.
The layout must support the way the household cooks and lives. Appliances need to be selected early and coordinated with New Zealand service requirements. Storage should be designed around real possessions. Materials should suit the client’s expectations around maintenance. Colour should feel personal and considered.
When all of these elements are resolved together, the kitchen feels natural within the home.
It becomes a place that is enjoyable to use, comfortable to gather in and distinctive to the people who live there.
Visit www.malcorboy.com to view completed kitchen and interior projects or to learn more about working with Mal Corboy Design.