These serviceable expanses of countertop found floating in the kitchen is more often than not the center of attention. Whether serving as a destination for meal preparation or a casual place at which to dine, this magnet for impromptu gatherings becomes the perfect spot to linger while enjoying a glass of wine and pleasant conversation with the cook. Determining the size and shape of the island is directly related to its proposed use and the overall availability of space. Whether large or small square, rectangular, or uniquely shape, it possesses the intrinsic ability to ass pizzazz to any kitchen. Because the island is generally intended to be a workhorse, it is a good idea to select a material that can fend for itself against constant abuse. Granite, distressed stone, slate, and soapstone will provide a low-maintenance surface. No matter if your design calls for the use of a stone slab or tile, the list at bottom offer some ideas regarding the kitchen island.

• Give you island a custom shape by introducing a bowed or curved configuration.
• Consider a slab edged with decorative high-relief cast stone trims.
• For a truly different slab edge profile, take a look at the process referred to as “munching”. This process leaves behind a profile that appears as though an iron toothed beaver has been gnawing on the edge.
• Mix and match, incorporate a slab on the island even when using tile on other surfaces.
• Contrast the color and type of stone use on the island to that used on the cabinet tops. A popular combination consists of light travertine countertops and cabinet covers accented by a dark granite slab on the island.
• Introduce an inlaid design into the middle of your stone slab. Your fabricator can cut an opening any size or shape into the center, and then you can use your imagination on how to fill it. Highly effective design range from slate, glass, and metal mosaics to intricate decorative tile and hand-painted murals.
• When using stone tile, incorporate high-relief cast stone edge pieces or caved trims. Due to cost constraints, you may not be able to use these trims everywhere in the kitchen, but by using them on the island, you will achieve a high-end look at a fraction of the cost.

Suggested Marble for Kitchen Island:

Bianco Carrara Marble

The white Bianco Carrara is characteristically homogenous, with a white to grey ground color, shining grains and smoky grey veins, which run thought the stone rather unregularly. The different quality of this stone depends on its ground colour; basically, we distinguish between these two marble types: Binaco di Carrara C (lighter ground colour) and Bianco di Carrara CD (darker ground colour). This material brightens gradually when the marble is losing the water that sore in its pores.

Desert Beige Marble

Forged in the Al Hajjar Mountains Desert Beige marble is hard and tough combined with the traditional ruggedness and character one would expect from a marble. Desert Beige Marble is one of the least porous due to its high density. In terms of technical properties it is superior to similar colored marble such as Crema Marfil Marble from Spain or Botticino Classico Marble from Italy. Desert Beige Marble are commonly use in floor tiles, bathroom tiles and Benchtop/Countertop.