These matt work surfaces with irregular texture look and feel amazing – plus, they’re practical and rising in popularity, too…
Shortly after my editor went to the cover shoot of KBB magazine’s February issue, she proclaimed she had a new favourite type of worktop. Not glossy like polished porcelain, or smooth like honed marble, but a rough, leathered-finish quartzite. She said something made it stand out from the rest: texture.
And she’s not alone; “The current trend in kitchen worktops is for less shiny surfaces, with a preference for more tactile, matt finishes and textural elements,” says Jay Powell, kitchen designer at Inglis Hall. Oli Webb, director at Cullifords, has also noticed the market moving away from lustrous worktops. “Last time I was in the factories in Carrara, you could see an obvious shift from polished to matt,” he says.
So, what are leathered worktops?
The leathered effect is created by brushing natural stones such as quartzite, granite and marble, with diamond-tipped brushes that remove their shine and enhance their uneven surface. But why the sudden interest? “These types of surfaces create a statement,” says Jay. “Leathered quartzite, in particular, is becoming popular, due to its beautiful veining pattern that comes from the leathering process.”
Take the Taj Mahal quartzite, for example. Paul Welburn, senior designer at Roundhouse, says it takes on a completely different character when leathered. “It becomes more inviting, resembling its raw, natural form. People are drawn to it for its depth and subtle variation.”
Pretty and practical
So, is it just about the looks? Not quite. Paul explains that a leathered finish can also hide everyday wear and minor scratches more effectively than a polished surface. “Unlike polished worktops, which can highlight every speck of dust or fingerprint, a leathered finish is much more forgiving, making it a practical choice for busy households. Importantly, it does not compromise durability, as it’s sealed just like any other natural stone surface.”
Leathered worktops’ tactility may also provide better grip, helping to avoid accidents in the kitchen. However, it’s what allows for dirt build-up, too. “Their irregular surface requires a bit more ‘elbow grease’ to keep clean,” says Joanne Bull, Königstone’s marketing manager. “But if sealed properly and the material choice is right, leathered finishes fare well in the kitchen.”
And, as with all stone worktops, regular upkeep goes a long way. It’s also worth bearing in mind that due to production costs, this unassumingly lavish finish costs around 10% more than others, Joanne tells me.
All things considered, if you’re looking for a statement yet practical option, you can’t go wrong with a leathered worktop. We’ll try not to be too jealous…
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