Granite Benchtops – Paradise Kitchens

Two-Tone Kitchen Design Is In Trend!

admin — Wed, 17 May 2023 09:19:24 +0000

Are you thinking of a small kitchen renovation or upgrading your kitchen? Now is the perfect time to commence your research, as with each New Year comes the fresh and trend-in concept of kitchen designs. A successful two-tone kitchen design should concentrate on a thoughtful layout, employ good ergonomics, feature durable finishes and incorporate reputable products.

One of the prevailing designs in kitchen trends is the “two-tone kitchen cabinets design”. Versatility is perfectly suitable to the 2-toned trend as the design consists of all the vital elements to depict its beauty, like the timeless style, monochromatic colour-blocking, and universal appeal.

It’s the zippy way of blending kitchen colour schemes as the darker and lighter shades of the black and white kitchen are always a perfect blend to get a completely different appearance than the standard white.

Choose a Standard Shade

The cabinets with a silvery grey glaze are beautiful enough to make your kitchen stand out, and when it comes to the essential black-and-white combination, the words themselves pull the room together. The contrasting effect of the dark wood floor and the 2-toned enhances the room, creating a background for the lighter cabinetry. However, it’s the richness of the colour tone that’s the focal point here. Doors with darker or lighter shades are beautifully styled, and they depict the kitchen with an eye-catching stance.

Two-Tone Kitchen Cabinets

2-Toned cabinets are also known as tuxedo cabinets, wherein wall cabinets are of one colour, and the floor cabinets have another shade. The name makes it look like the simple cabinets have white and black colour, but two-tone kitchen cabinets can go beyond a simple combination of light and dark colour.

Add style and surprise to your kitchen with two-tone cabinetry – a clever design choice that works wonders, especially in smaller spaces, by bringing a sense of dynamism and uniqueness to the area.

You can install darker shade cabinets below and lighter coloured cabinets on the top and vice versa. Suppose you’re focusing on a simple yet modern look – it’s perfectly okay to expand the cabinet dress code to other contrasting colours, like soft grey, navy blue or other colour combination that suits your kitchen layout. So enjoy the idea and see if it might work for you!

Benefits of installing Two Tone Kitchen Cabinets

Do you want your small kitchen to look tall and wide enough? Two-tone kitchen cabinets can make a short kitchen look taller when the lighter-coloured cabinets are placed above.
2-Toned cabinets have the effect of making the cabinets look more like furniture. The upper cabinets efficiently blend into the walls if painted the same colour, while the lower cabinets stand out beautifully if they’re darker in the shade.
Our eyes are drawn to only things that stand out, and when it comes to 2-toned cabinets, it’s an expert in creating the focal point. No matter where the cabinets are installed in the kitchen, the contrasting colours help you create the focus.

Don’t Forget The Benchtop & Splashback!

When planning a kitchen renovation, think about giving a stylish touch to every element in the kitchen. Why even forgo the benchtop and splashback? Regarding splashback and countertops, it is okay to be a bit liberal with the colours.

Say, for example, Granite Benchtop. The swirling colour effect of granite comprises every colour in the kitchen, including the flooring option. You can use the option of multi-colours for the kitchen splashback and benchtop. It works in tying the kitchen together and gets everything up as one in terms of design.

“2-Toned” Kitchens Are In Vogue!

Don’t hesitate to go bold with your kitchen! And for achieving the best outcome, “a 2-toned Kitchen Design” is an excellent option. 2-toned is in trend these days.

The days of matching cabinetry are gone now. As the trend has been set for contrasting and complementing colours, the 2-toned patterned kitchen is an inspiration for a more dynamic look. The monochromatic colour tone is the perfect combination of 2-toned colour shades that usually enhance your kitchen’s elements. Hence, it all boils down to a standard of sophistication comprising the essence of natural simplicity.

The Bottom Line

Unleash your kitchen’s full potential by embracing the captivating allure of two-tone cabinets. Elevate your space with a burst of visual intrigue and infuse it with a dash of personality. The possibilities are endless, from timeless pairings like elegant grey and pristine white to audacious combinations like vibrant blue and lush green. Embrace the art of experimentation, break free from convention, and let your kitchen come alive with the vibrant energy of two-tone cabinets. Step outside the boundaries of ordinary design and let your culinary haven become a testament to your creativity.

Transform your kitchen into a masterpiece with Paradise Kitchens. Experience the elegance of our stunning two-tone kitchen designs or renovate your existing space. Get a kitchen quote, call us today on 02 9757 4400. Let us create your dream kitchen that truly reflects your style and personality.

The post Two-Tone Kitchen Design Is In Trend! appeared first on Paradise Kitchens.

Handy Tips for Choosing the Right Kitchen Benchtop

admin — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 08:50:07 +0000

Are you renovating your kitchen, entire home or building a new home? In any of these situations, you’ll need to choose the right benchtop for your kitchen. So what are the available options for benchtop material? Well, different ready made kitchen benchtop materials are available, but the most popular ones are laminate, granite and engineered stone. Let’s briefly uncover these popular kitchen benchtop materials.

Laminate:

Laminate has truly evolved in the last decade or so as it has a broad range of colours to offer and many alternatives in terms of textures, patterns and finishes. In a laminated benchtop, the joints are not as noticeable as they once were and so it can render an economical and smart solution.

Granite:

For a kitchen benchtop, granite is one of the toughest materials available which renders robustness and character to kitchen surfaces. Granite needs regular maintenance as with all natural materials.
Granite benchtop will remain to look stunning for many years to come if you care for and maintain it properly.
In evaluation with the top of the range engineered stones, granite is a more cost effective alternative and will also cost less than a synthetic solid surface benchtop and it is still regarded to be a premium product.

Engineered Stone:

These days, many kinds of engineered stones are available, each of them made from diverse natural materials like quartz and marble in combination with polyesters and resins.
Quartz based product is the most accepted kind of engineered stone for use in the kitchen.
Quartz benchtops are the best for the kitchen as they render strength; they are easy to maintain and are available in an enormous range of both modern and classical colours.

If you’re looking for custom made kitchen benchtops in Sydney, look no further than Paradise Kitchens – you’ll get a choice of granite stone benchtops and quartz benchtops for making your dream custom kitchens in Sydney.

Engineered Stone:

These days, many kinds of engineered stones are available, each of them made from diverse natural materials like quartz and marble in combination with polyesters and resins.
The quartz-based product is the most accepted kind of engineered stone for use in the kitchen.
Quartz benchtops are the best for the kitchen as they render strength; they are easy to maintain and are available in an enormous range of both modern and classic colours.

Why Choose Engineered Stone Benchtops & What Are Its Properties

This engineered stone benchtop is catching our interest, so let’s explore it further. The engineered stone benchtop is a man-made product, which is one of the preferred benchtop materials for major Australian homes. They contain around 95% natural quartz and about 5% of resin for a sturdy grip. The core element in engineered stone benchtop is quartz, which is one of the strongest natural minerals. These days, engineered stone benchtops are recognised by many names such as reconstituted stone benchtops, quartz stone benchtops or composite stone benchtops.

Engineered stone benchtops have maintained its place in the market for more than a decade and that’s why they are commonly used in the form of kitchen benchtops, other indoor benchtops and in vanity options.

Properties of Engineered Stone Benchtops

In terms of looks, engineered stone benchtops offer an attractive look with strong, durable and a surface akin to natural stone. However, there are various properties, which make engineered stone benchtop standout over other alternatives.

Engineered stone benchtops are less porous than marble or granite, so they are very hygienic to use.
Due to their engineered structure, there is guaranteed consistency as far as its pattern, design and colour are concerned.
Quartz stone benchtops are quite tough, but there are possibilities of chipping around the edges if you don’t take proper care.
They are partially resistant to heat, so if you’re thinking of putting hot-pans or pots directly on the surface then it’s not a good idea!

Why choose engineered stone benchtops for your kitchen

Engineered stone benchtops are available in slab form, which can be designed to your specific needs by a stonemason. Besides, there are many reasons for selecting an engineered stone benchtop, which is listed below:

Engineered stone benchtops are stain, chip and scratch resistant.
Due to its man-made structure, engineered stone benchtops can be fabricated according to your needs. In fact, they are versatile as they are available in a massive array of colours and styles.
Quartz is used in manufacturing engineered stone benchtops that’s why they are highly durable in nature and are less fragile to handle.
Maintaining engineered stone benchtop is very easy because only a little care is required for a regular maintenance.

The Bottom Line

Whether you want to buy kitchen benchtops online or want to know more about engineered stone benchtops, Paradise Kitchens would love to turn your benchtop idea into a dream stone benchtop design by giving special care and unmatched attention to details. To explore our array of beautiful stone benchtops call us on (02) 9757 4400 or visit our online store today!

The post Handy Tips for Choosing the Right Kitchen Benchtop appeared first on Paradise Kitchens.

Caesarstone Or Granite – Which One Should I Install for My Kitchen Benchtop?

admin — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 05:17:36 +0000

Traditionally, Granite was considered as the premium choice and was used in temples, church altar and also in the homes as kitchen benchtops. Nonetheless, marble was also used as an alternative to Granite for the same type of installations. However, Granite was regarded as the finest, strong and most durable stone during earlier times before the invention of Caesarstone.

Before Caesarstone flooded the markets, Granite was the premium choice of customers for installing in their homes, offices and places of worship. Once Caesarstone was brought in, there are undoubtedly more choices with the customers for choosing the premium stone. Caesarstone has a massive range of engineered quartz benchtops for kitchen interiors.

We all know how strong and durable Granite is, and it also looks beautiful on our kitchen benchtops. On the other hand, Caesarstone is engineered from ground quartz with particular organic compound, it’s in fact more scratch and stain tolerant compared to Granite. As Caesarstone is a manufactured product, it provides various colours, styles and designs that can’t be replicated in a natural stone benchtop.

When it comes to deciding which one you should get for your kitchen benchtops installations, you need to take into consideration various aspects such as the home interiors, budget, use patterns (practicality) etc. You may also take the guidance of your kitchen designer, who can give you the best advice from the usage point of view.

Durability: Durability wise both Granite and Caesarstone are awesome choices. Perhaps, Caesarstone is more impact resistant than Granite. However, Granite is also strong enough that is stain and scratch resistant.

Aesthetics: Granite, being the natural stone gives you the natural beauty that’s hard to beat. Nonetheless, Caesarstone has numerous range of styles and colours from which you can select. And the high end engineered stone looks elegant and gracious.

Practicality: You need to take care of both in the same way. For instance, if oil is spilled over, you need to immediately wipe it away in Caesarstone as well as in Granite. You should use separate cutting board to cut vegetables, fruits etc. and should avoid directly cutting on the surface of Granite and Caesarstone.

Budget: Both are expensive, but you will get various price ranges in both Granite and Caesarstone.

Personal Preference: A lot depends on your personality and your personal preference. For instance – if you are a person who admires natural beauty, perhaps, you may be more inclined to install a Granite benchtop. On the other hand, if you like specific design, style or shape etc. – you might like to go with Caesarstone benchtop.

One thing is clear – the choice is not so simple between the two stones, as both have got their own unique positive points. Granite is nature’s beauty whereas Caesarstone is man-made admiration. However, your kitchen designer might help you in deciding or you may have to depend on your personal intuition/ instinct to determine.

At the end of the day, whatever you decide, be it Granite or Caesarstone for your kitchen benchtop, your decision can’t go wrong, as both are stunningly beautiful that will make your kitchen benchtop stand out and make a style statement!

The post Caesarstone Or Granite – Which One Should I Install for My Kitchen Benchtop? appeared first on Paradise Kitchens.

Kitchen Benchtop is a Major Consideration in Your Kitchen Renovation

admin — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 05:30:38 +0000

While renovating your kitchen, the most crucial thing that will stand out is undoubtedly your kitchen benchtop. The things that need to be considered while reconstructing your kitchen benchtop can be described as below:

Look out for Edges and Joins in Your Kitchen Benchtop

While designing your kitchen benchtop, you need to be wary about the edges and joins that will be coming up when erecting your beautiful kitchen benchtop. Remember too many edges and joins will diminish the overall look of your benchtop and also would decrease its usability. So, it’s important that the edges and joins in your bench-top are minimal so that it adds beauty and stands out beautiful in your kitchen and at the same time you get a highly usable kitchen benchtop. Often, we give enough consideration to aspects like choosing the material, design, colour of a bench-top, but overlook all together regarding benchtop edges and joins.

Edges in Your Kitchen Benchtop

As per your benchtop material selection, you will get choices for selecting edge profiles. When selecting a laminate benchtop, you will be either getting post-formed or square edges. Post-formed edges normally come in half rounded or totally rounded. Many of the laminate benchtop you get in the market today come with half rounded edges. However, to obtain a modest look, a square edge is advised by numerous kitchen designers. The disadvantage of displaying the edge is that it becomes easily noticeable; however, a smart kitchen cabinet maker can almost make invisible edges.

When we talk about timber benchtop, they can be easily made with any type of edge profile. Pencil like square edges you can have in your timber benchtop, which will have slightly rounded softened top and bottom edges. Rounded edges are more in fashion; however, period styled kitchens normally have more intricately designed ogee edges.

You get rounded, square or bevelled edges in a granite benchtop. Typically, on square edged granite benchtop, pencil edging is normally done in order to make them safer and soften their look. When you go for more tough and robust engineered stone, particularly Corian, it can have an array of edges. A front can be added for giving more thickness to the benchtop than usual. Remember, the procedure is exactly the same to add the front to a double thick granite benchtop, but the difference is that on a granite benchtop the joint on the edge is easily noticeable whereas on engineered benchtop, it is invisible or very difficult to notice.

Yes, looks play an important role when selecting a benchtop edge profile, but don’t overlook its functionality. For instance: It can be dangerous to have a square bottom edge, particularly when you have small active kids in your home. So, investing in a fully rounded edge aids in avoiding the likelihood of a severe head injury.

Joins in Your Kitchen Benchtop

Often, a kitchen benchtop have to be installed into two or more walls, and so they are to be joined together. You can have adjoined/bordered joints, but mitred joints are largely used. As walls are not upright in all the cases, and so to execute it is not a simple job. If the walls aren’t square, the benchtop needs to be joined and installed so that it gets pretty tight joints and be integrated neatly adjacent to the walls. When you select engineered benchtop, particularly material like Corian, you will get a flawless appearance. In laminate, timber and granite, usually joins can be noticeable; however, a crafty professional can almost make very tight joints, which can be hardly detected from your overall kitchen interiors.

Now, you know how to get that kitchen benchtop of your dreams! When you hire a professional skilled installer, he can almost set-up your kitchen benchtop with perfection without many easily noticeable edges and joins. All the best for your kitchen renovation work.

The post Kitchen Benchtop is a Major Consideration in Your Kitchen Renovation appeared first on Paradise Kitchens.

Why Select Granite Benchtops over its Other Counterparts

admin — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:19:12 +0000

Kitchen benchtops are a necessity in every kitchen and are certainly the heart of every home. You just can’t imagine a home without a kitchen. While designing your new kitchen, the first and foremost thing that comes to your mind is about a kitchen benchtop.

A benchtop must be designed wisely taking into consideration various elements, for instance, ease of use, durability, maintenance and cost effectiveness. Among other factors, you must also consider if it is heat and water resistant as it is of upmost importance when designing your new kitchen benchtop as cooking and washing are the major tasks performed in a kitchen. There are various kinds of benchtops available in the market today such as laminated, timber, granite, marble, stone and quartz.
Benefits of Granite Benchtops

Granite is expensive but is widely used in constructing kitchen benchtops. It is available in variety of designs, mold and colours like white, spotted black, grey and golden brown. The finest granite benchtops are the ones that are made out of a single piece of stone for a picture perfect finish, which is aesthetically pleasing and very easy to maintain.

Granite is purely prepared from natural stone, it is tough, scratch and dent resistant and more importantly water and heat resistant besides granite provides just awesome looks. Maintenance is also easy as it does not require frequent services and you can clean the surface of the granite benchtop yourself with the specific solution meant to clean granite. Before contracting a company to design and install your granite benchtop, just make sure that they can provide you with proper instructional manual for regular care and maintenance of the benchtop. Moreover, as granite benchtops are robust and strong, it lasts for a long period of time.

The post Why Select Granite Benchtops over its Other Counterparts appeared first on Paradise Kitchens.

Factors to Consider while Opting for Kitchen Benchtops

admin — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:21:10 +0000

A benchtop can truly be an outstanding attribute for your kitchen. It is crucial that kitchen benchtops need to be strong, water resistant and long lasting apart from its aesthetic appeal. In-style benchtop material consists of engineered quartz, laminated and natural stone (marble or granite). Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and knowing them will better help you to decide on the benchtop that would be the most appropriate for your kitchen.

Marble or Granite

These marble and granite benchtops are available in diverse colours and consistencies. As these are purely natural materials, each benchtop looks unique or different from the other. Marble is softer than granite; hence for rough use always granite benchtops are preferable as they are strong enough with firm mold. Moreover, granite is scratch and stain resistant, endures high temperatures and doesn’t absorb fluids that easily; therefore it is tough and durable material and makes for an ideal kitchen benchtop. Marble tends to react to acids including food stuffs such as tomatoes, juices and vinegar. Very cold or hot items may inflate or deflate both marble and granite, so it is suggested that you do not put these items on your kitchen benchtops.

Engineered Quartz

An engineered quartz bench-top is made from natural quartz and it is one of nature’s toughest materials. This material is highly heat, scratch and stain resistant and doesn’t absorb fluids; hence it remains the most preferred and first-rate quality for modern kitchen benchtops. Harsh chemicals must be avoided and there is no requirement of any maintenance to retain its elegant look. It truly adds value to your property and will be a plus point when you want to sell your house and yes it is pricier than the laminated material.

Laminated

Laminated benchtops are reasonably priced, easy to maintain and doesn’t absorb fluids. You will get them in varied colours and polishes and they are one of the most affordable countertop materials available in the market. They are also neat looking, hassle-free and take lesser installation time. The drawback is that they do not react well with heat and are open to scratches and stains.

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