If you think a stone and marble kitchen scheme will blow your budget, then you’ll be pleased to hear there are lots of marble and stone lookalikes that won’t break the bank; they’re a lot quicker to install than the real thing, too.
Whether it’s a whole new kitchen or a quick update with a sleek sink, or a few swish accessories, there are plenty of ways to create a high-impact space for less. Whether your style is industrial or cottagecore, Tuscan or Art Deco there's a stone for you.
'The latest stone styles are perfect for creating a modern design statement without having the price tag or maintenance of the real thing,' says Tony McCarthy, Commercial Director at Crown Imperial. 'Natural stone effects will add timeless sophistication and work equally well when balanced with a neutral shade or paired with a contemporary matt or gloss colour.'
Best stone decor ideas for your kitchen, whatever your budget
Try a marble splashback
Make a feature out of your splashback with a marble-effect aluminium panel. This design is fire-safe and waterproof so it can be used behind any hob and sink. Simply cut to the required size and attach with Complete Adhesive. See our guide to adhesives, sealants and caulks for more information.
White Marble aluminium splashback, £265 for 305 x 60cm, Alloy by Bushboard
Create a premium look on a budget with a natural stone-style splashback panel. It’s quick and easy to fit using peel, stick and seal technology and is perfect for a straight-forward DIY job at the weekend.
Carrara Marble self-adhesive glass splashback, £119 for 60 x 75cm, splashback.co.uk
Or what about a terrazzo splashback?
Terrazzo is hugely popular in interiors and it looks especially striking in the kitchen as a splashback behind the sink. Pick up the colours in the terrazzo in your dinnerware and accessories.
Emilia Rainbow terrazzo porcelain tiles, £40 per sq m, Tile Giant
Add a stone sink
Fragranite sinks have the look of natural stone but are treated with a sanitised hygiene technology to reduce bacteria and microbe growth by 99 per cent. Optional extras include a strainer bowl, bamboo chopping board and drainer.
Centro inset sink in Stone Grey, £367, by Franke sinks.co.uk
What about a porcelain feature wall?
Make a feature wall with hexagonal porcelain tiles that give the stone look a modern twist.
Purbeck porcelain tiles, £47.40 per sq m, Stone & Ceramic Warehouse
Natural stone flooring
Natural stone flooring is hard-wearing and designed for high-traffic areas, and is often a key feature of a Tuscan interior style. A rustic handmade stone, such as terracotta, is ideal for adding warmth to a cool scheme while a parquet design is bang on trend.
Marlborough Terracotta parquet tiles, £65.50 per sq m, Ca’ Pietra
Install neutral stone-inspired worktops
Select a neutral palette and create interest with the textural look of Dekton work surfaces and splashbacks, shown here in Targa Gloss. They instantly lend a natural stone-effect detail for a kitchen that oozes sophistication.
Hunton Edge kitchen in Porcelain, from £12,000, Second Nature
Give your work surfaces a luxe makeover with a marble-effect laminate. Carry the marble up the walls for a neat alternative to tiles.
GoodHome 22mm Algiata matt white marble effect laminate and particle board post-formed kitchen worktop, £98 for 300 x 62cm, B&Q
Embrace stone- and marble-effect finishes that can be used for islands, cabinet doors, worktops, splashbacks and plinths. Complement the look with matt units or add texture with rugs.
Sutton Heather Slate and Scots Grey kitchen with Milano Levante laminate worktops and splashback, from £12,000, Masterclass Kitchens
Stone-inspired kitchen cabinets
Choose matt stone-style cabinets with a textured look to add interest, especially if it’s an open-plan kitchen diner. Handle-less doors will also enhance a contemporary feel, while red dining chairs add a dash of bold colour.
Textura Lunar kitchen, from £10,000, Crown Imperial
Mix and match a matt coloured cabinet door with a textured slab design that has a raw, rustic stone effect. The two will balance each other out, creating a statement look that doesn’t overpower the room.
Profile kitchen in Jupiter and Fjord Green, from £10,000, Trend Interiors
Add some slate appliances
Opt for a slate finish on your appliances to complement the marble and stone textures. With a large six-burner gas hob, glide-out grill and stay-clean liners, the Rangemaster TOLP110DFFSL/C makes cooking for the family and the clean-up afterwards a doddle.
Rangemaster TOLP110DFFSL/C dual fuel range cooker in Slate, £1,779, AO.com
Vinyl stone-affect flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring has the look of stone without the maintenance to match. Durable and hard-wearing, it’s much warmer underfoot than marble and stone, too.
Mustang Slate luxury vinyl flooring, £34.99 per sq m, Moduleo
Stone-inspired lighting
Hang a row of three stone-style pendant lights over an island unit or breakfast bar for task lighting when dining or preparing meals. Use the rule of three for a balanced look.
Soprano pendants, £84 each, Pooky
Stone kitchen accessories
Luxe large solid white marble cutting board, £55, Mink Interiors
Marble condiment bowl and brass spoon, £12.90 each, Monday
Ithaca mugs, £15 for two, Garden Trading
Tower Linear Marble non-stick saucepans, £70 for a set of three, Home Essentials
Marble placemat and coaster set, £12, Home Essentials
Haden Cotswold kettle, £50, Amazon
