Features of the use of decorative stone in the interior of the kitchen

Artificial decorative stone is produced from natural raw materials: quartz, clay, granite chips, feldspar. Therefore, this finishing material is environmentally friendly and has good characteristics to be popular..

Decorative stone attracts with its lively structure, volume and natural appearance

Varieties

There are three types of artificial stone:

porcelain stoneware;
agglomerates;
colored concrete bricks and stones.

Most often, porcelain stoneware is used for facing work with a work area, window sills or floor. In the kitchen, it is widely used for countertops, which, thanks to its monumental appearance, give the interior a more noble and elegant look..

Porcelain stoneware worktop can last for decades

In appearance, acrylic stone (agglomerates) imitates natural minerals and their structure. It is also used for furniture surfaces, wall decoration and backsplash..

Thick acrylic stone is suitable for worktops, thin sheets are ideal for wall decoration and kitchen apron

Colored concrete is produced using cement and sand. Get products that imitate brick, shell rock, savage. Most often used for wall cladding in various interior design options where imitation of masonry or stone wall is required.

Artificial stone is often used in combination with decorative plaster.

Advantages and disadvantages

All the pros and cons of artificial stone are discussed in the table:

Material	Dignity	disadvantages
Porcelain stoneware	wear resistance; resistance to temperature extremes;	sensitive to strong chemicals.
Agglomerates	a wide range of textures and colors; well imitates the structure of natural material; strong; easily tolerates high temperatures;	decoration fades in the sun; vulnerable to toxic chemicals; easy to wash.
Concrete	relatively low cost; assortment of colors and structures; long service life; easy care; imitates natural stone;	does not like high humidity.

A successful combination of stone with wood cuts

Scope of artificial stone

Thanks to a large assortment of both colors and textured solutions, the stone in the interior of the kitchen is widely used:

kitchen apron;
furniture surface;
walls;
openings.

Stone can be used to veneer the bar

It is becoming more and more popular due to its resistance to damage and ease of maintenance. This is especially important for the kitchen, where surfaces are often contaminated during cooking..

Apron in the kitchen

The best option for this work area is an easy-care material. That is why decorative stone is well suited, due to its resistance to temperature conditions and easy maintenance..

The surface of the apron can be made smooth – such a coating will be easier to wash

The embossed surface, laid out of individual tiles of different thicknesses, looks gorgeous, but it is much more difficult to care for it

Moreover, such an apron will fit into most interiors:

provence;
country;
loft;
Mediterranean;
modern.

In an industrial-style kitchen, a brick finish is appropriate

Walls

Depending on the style, decorative cladding can be used both to create a separate accent element and to decorate the entire area. You can also use several materials that are different in structure, but similar in shade, for room zoning and accents. For walls, imitations of brick and masonry made of colored concrete are well suited..

Wall decoration with white stone will visually increase the space of the kitchen

Stylish stone wall decoration in the dining area of the kitchen

Door and window openings

Thanks to the decoration with stone, you can visually highlight the door or window, add the illusion of spaciousness to the room. Such openings are made both in the form of an arch and in a standard rectangular version. This way you can turn a door or window sill into a separate decorative element. Such decor is more suitable for country styles, Provence, minimalism..

Decorating the entrance to the kitchen with stone is a great solution

An example of finishing a window opening with a stone

Ventilation box

This element of the interior is often difficult to hide, especially given its functional importance. But thanks to the decorative stone, you can refine the box, or create an imitation of a fireplace on its basis..

To make such an imitation of a fireplace is quite simple from drywall, fixed on a frame made of galvanized profiles

This solution will add coziness to the interior and harmoniously blend into the overall design of the kitchen. However, at the same time, you should not overdo it and oversaturate the room with design, so that it does not seem cumbersome..

Stone in various interior styles

Imitation of brickwork on a kitchen apron in a neoclassical style

Country and Provence

Rustic motifs prevail in these styles. Kitchens with such an interior create a cozy home environment..

Stone and wood are the most suitable materials for decorating a country-style kitchen

The stone is selected with a coarser texture with convex parts; imitation of brickwork is also suitable. Shades vary depending on style, but lighter colors are preferred. Provence is characterized by colors close to white: beige, cream.

Imitation of brickwork using artificial stone in the Provence style kitchen

A kitchen apron and openings are decorated with a stone in these styles. The hood is disguised as a false fireplace or a rustic stove. Decorative interior items and kitchen utensils will help to enhance the rustic flavor..

English style

A very noble and elegant interior option. In the classic English style, expensive materials are used for decoration, such as marble, mother-of-pearl, malachite. Their combination and the work of artisans made it possible to create a harmonious and comfortable environment..

In an English-style kitchen, stone is appropriate primarily on the floor and as a material for worktops.

Thanks to the advent of modern artificial materials that perfectly imitate most minerals, it became possible to recreate an English interior with less cost..

The work surfaces of the kitchen set are made of porcelain stoneware to match the wall decoration

Porcelain stoneware slabs are used for the floor. The apron and furniture countertops are made from agglomerates. The walls can be decorated with an artificial savage. The decoration should be done in pastel colors..

Antique

This style is also called ancient Greek. Classic style with predominantly correct geometric proportions. Often a material with the same or similar structure is used for the entire cladding. Mostly lighter shades are used, marbled tiles prevail.

Paired with a classic set, work surfaces made of acrylic stone or porcelain stoneware look great

The interior is characterized by some elements of antiquity: columns, bas-reliefs. Antique style is used in large kitchens with the ability to make arched windows.

Modern

Modernity is characterized by smooth forms, asymmetry in design. In the modern understanding of modernity, there is no excessive luxury and pretentiousness of the 19th century furnishings. Instead, the style gives a sense of coziness and cheerfulness..

Snow-white modern kitchen with acrylic surfaces

For Art Nouveau, a monochromatic stone is more suitable, mainly acrylic is used. Apply cladding to niches and openings, you can also use it for countertops.

Contemporary styles

Decorative stone is also used in modern interior styles:

minimalism;
loft;
high tech.

An apron made of decorative stone will become a bright accent in a minimalist kitchen

Making a small kitchen in a loft style

High-tech requires shine and gloss, which means that it is better to use acrylic stone or porcelain stoneware here.

The common denominator for these styles is the pursuit of minimalism in furnishings and designs. In some cases, styles are even mixed to achieve a design idea. At the same time, artificial stones are used mainly to create accent elements, such as a section of a wall in the form of masonry..

Tips for creating an interior with decorative stone

To create a successful and harmonious interior, you should pay attention to a few tips:

Decorative stone should be used based on the chosen style of the kitchen.
For stone surfaces, warm, dim lighting is better than bright light..
With stone, it is better to use warm or pastel colors for other finishes. Bright neon colors will ruin its charm.
When working on your own with cladding, you should first try on a small area in order to get used to work. It will be easier to complete the work by adhering to the instructions for working with materials.