Having shaken off its industrial image and slipped into the home, stainless steel has been fast rising in popularity. KBB journo Louise Nevin finds out more…

At the end of last year, a new show hit our screens, looking at the life and times of footballing hero David Beckham. But what it left many people talking about was not only his undeniably brilliant skills on the pitch or his extraordinary popularity across the globe, but the decor of his home – and, in particular, the extensive use of stainless steel in his lavish London kitchen. 

The Beckhams’ city kitchen boasts not just a huge stainless-steel splashback and cooker hood, but also a vast stainless steel worktop – something rarely found in a domestic set-up, never mind in the home of a superstar. Celebrities tend to favour painted, handmade cabinetry, topped with chunky wood, dramatically veined marble or glistening granite – or an immaculate, shiny, monochrome scheme. But the Beckhams have really made a statement and, undoubtedly, it’s a look that will continue to be popular in kitchen design. 

So what do we know of stainless steel?

Well, we all have examples of it in our homes, be it the utensils or appliances in our kitchen, the hinges on our doors, or even our light switches, but in most kitchens, it plays a fairly minor role. However, as a material, and a metal, it really is Man of the Match. 

Originally created back at the start of the 20th century, stainless steel is made from a selection of different iron alloys, with an all-important chromium content of at least 10.5 per cent, plus a few other ingredients such as nickel thrown in for good measure. As the Beckhams have discovered, stainless steel is also the king of the kitchen work surface. Why? Because it is smooth and non-porous, so it cannot contain bacteria; it’s easy to clean, healthy and lasts, well, forever. Also, it is perfect for a circular economy because every last scrap can be recycled and reused.

Let’s talk aesthetics

In large doses, this metal can come across as slightly aggressive – think professional kitchens full of shouty chefs – but used in conjunction with softer, organic materials, it’s a stunner. 

Martin Tye, the managing director of GEC Anderson, which creates custom stainless steel kitchens for everything from ordinary homes to restaurants, factories, hospitals and schools, reflects on the popularity of the medium: “We’ve seen awareness of stainless steel growing gradually over the years. Sometimes people see our worktops and are really surprised by how good they look; often they either don’t have the vision or just don’t know how lovely it can be. Plus, it is the most practical surface there is.”

Stainless steel surfaces

If you choose to have a worktop or splashback made from this alloy, it is available as a solid, thin surface of around 4mm or can be wrapped around a solid surface to make a chunky worktop. And it can be tailored to absolutely any shape. Sam Shaw, the founder of Sustainable Kitchens, says: “We have seen an increase in this versatile material being used in innovative ways to create style-led kitchens within our clients’ homes. Its sustainability and durability make it the perfect material for us to work with while also adding an industrial aesthetic.”

Sustainable Kitchens recently incorporated the alloy into the design for a new kitchen in a period home, as Sam explains: “Our client’s brief was to create an eclectic kitchen that combined materials and finishes to complement the historic Georgian features but with a modern spin. Stainless steel played a vital role in creating the cabinets. The worktops, made from a Calacatta Medici marble, contrast with the steel perfectly and give the kitchen a luxurious feel, whilst nodding to the historic nature of the building.”

If you are opting for a worktop from this material, it’s worth considering an integrated sink, too. Unlike under-mounted sinks, stainless steel can be moulded from the same sheet of metal as the worktop, without joins, so no bacteria-trapping gaps.  

And the cost?

Well, it’s not the cheapest material, with work surfaces ranging from around £270 to £540 per linear metre, but maintenance is simple. Unlike natural stone or wood, a stainless-steel worktop won’t require special products for oiling or sealing; soap, water and a soft cloth is all you need to keep it clean. 

Although most people don’t have a budget to match that of the Beckhams, picking out a few items in this material will really give a unique and chic touch to your home – what a result!

Pros of stainless steel

• It lasts forever.
• It’s non-porous and so very hygienic.
• It’s heat-proof – there’s no need to use a table mat.
• It’s great for the environment – your stainless steel is probably recycled – and will be recyclable when you have finished with it.
• It’s smart to look at and timeless.
• It reflects the light, brightening any space.
• You can have an integral sink built into your worktop, reducing bacteria and requiring little maintenance.

The cons

• Stainless steel shows fingermarks. 
• It will scratch over time.
• A large, flat area might acquire little dents.
• The aseptic aesthetic is not to everyone’s taste.

Enjoyed this post? Click here for more ways with stainless steel

About Post Author