Six Sleek And Cool Ways To Use Natural Stone In Your Kitchen

Natural stone signifies a high-end, updated space, whether it is in your bathroom or your driveway. Perhaps the most popular applications for natural granite are in the kitchen, and upgrading a kitchen wouldn't be complete without some stone fixtures. Bring the beauty and resilience of natural stone to your kitchen, in a chic and contemporary way.

Six cool ways to upgrade your kitchen with natural stone are:

1. Chef-grade countertops. There is a reason why chefs and bakers prefer natural stone slab countertops, such as granite countertops, in their kitchens; the cool, smooth surface is conducive to pastries and breads, plus it is resilient and, no pun intended, is hard as a rock. When figuring your project budget, know that slab stone countertops cost a little more than tile, but tile requires more labor during installation.  
2. A homey hearth. Consider adding a warm and inviting touch to your kitchen's fireplace. This can be a hub in the home where family gathers and spends quality time, so create an environment that is natural and organic with stone tile around the mantle and hearth.  Add a wooden rocking chair and it could be your new favorite spot in the home!
3. Under your feet. Look down; how is the kitchen floor under your feet? Stone tile flooring is a chic and easy-to-care-for surface that can improve the overall appearance of your kitchen. If you really must cut corners, look for a high-quality laminate that mimics the look of natural stone tile for a resilient and inexpensive flooring material.
4. Beautifully-intricate backsplashes. Don't miss the opportunity to bring an intricate and beautiful focal point to your kitchen with stone backsplashes. Go with a gorgeous mosaic in the colors that complement your scheme, and consider tin-tile trim for even more flair.
5. Stone vessel sinks. Check out unique stone or quartz vessel sinks to add to your kitchen work-area. These can be used as a secondary sink in large kitchens for food preparation, or you can opt for stone basins that are cohesive with your countertop stone.
6. Islands and wet-bars. Go all-in with a wet bar or island in your kitchen. These both benefit from a stone surfaced workspace, and they are tough to withstand the rigors of heavy kitchen chores.

Natural stone sets the bar high when it comes to updating or refurbishing a kitchen. Know that discriminating homebuyers look for stone features in homes that are on the market, and these high-end upgrades can improve the overall value of your property. Use these tips to enhance your kitchen with natural stone to improve utility, longevity, and appeal of your home.