Artedomus’ Collection of Stone, Tiles and Surfaces

The kitchen is widely considered the beating heart of many contemporary homes and, as a place of sociability and utility, it must deliver on an aesthetic and functional level. Specifying the correct materials is an essential part of the design puzzle, and Artedomus – Australia’s leading supplier of premium stone, tiles and surfaces – holds several design-forward, safe and eco-friendly solutions.

Splashbacks, benchtops and islands are key elements of most kitchens and as Artedomus managing director Phil Brenton attests, material exploration should be a two-pronged pursuit for beauty and pragmatism. “While looks certainly matter, you’ll also want the material you choose to be durable, long lasting and easy to care for, so it looks great and performs brilliantly for years.”

“While looks certainly matter, you’ll also want the material you choose to be durable, long lasting and easy to care for, so it looks great and performs brilliantly for years,” says Artedomus managing director Phil Brenton.

For Phil, three materials emerge as superior options: firstly, natural stone, which is one of the most coveted kitchen surfaces for its inimitable elegance and gravitas. It is a high-performance material; however, it needs to be cared for as regular physical contact and exposure to substances can affect its appearance. Luckily, as Phil explains, there are various ways to protect the stone and ensure it retains its unrivalled appeal for decades, including sealing it before use, having it resealed or rehoned as needed, removing stains as soon as possible and cleaning it regularly with a pH-neutral product.

To make a real statement, natural stone can also be used as cladding and carried down the front and sides of an island bench. This monolithic effect recalls the natural characteristics of stone and helps to not only anchor an island bench in place but create a veritable focal point, particularly in an open-plan space. It is also a great option for a splashback and, when used in conjunction across the island and benchtops, it facilitates a seamless design outcome.

“Porcelain panels are practically impervious to damage; they don’t stain or etch, and are completely UV stable,” Phil shares.

Porcelain panels are another leading option for benchtops, splashbacks and islands. Composed of clay, sand, quartz and other minerals that are crushed to a fine powder, pressed together and then heated to consolidate into a single mass, they are safe and all-natural. Further, they offer a similar look to natural stone. However, their superior strength means they are available in large-format slabs with more slender profiles.

Further, they are exceedingly durable. “Porcelain panels are practically impervious to damage; they don’t stain or etch and are completely UV stable,” Phil shares. Like natural stone, they are also a great choice for splashbacks, and, as they’re lightweight, they can be used to clad kitchen doors, allowing for complete material cohesion across the kitchen.

When paired with natural stone or porcelain benchtops, a tiled splashback offers a layered and dynamic material response, allowing for enhanced character and haptics in this pivotal part of the home.

Lastly, tiled surfaces are an increasingly popular choice for their design flexibility and visual interest. The Artedomus INAX range, which is crafted in Japan, is sculptural, textural and available in a range of hues. As Phil offers, “the unique quality of the glaze and colour sets the tiles apart from other products on the market, and they undergo a long, slow baking process to make them exceptionally hardwearing.” When paired with natural stone or porcelain benchtops, a tiled splashback offers a layered and dynamic material response, allowing for enhanced character and haptics in this pivotal part of the home.

Narrowing down a palette that speaks both to taste and practicality is a challenge. Although, Artedomus’ design-driven mindset and experience in specifying finishes for residential and commercial environments puts it in great stead to realise enduring design solutions. Artedomus currently has more natural stone slabs, porcelain panels and tiles in stock and ready to deliver than many other suppliers. Kickstart your project by visiting one of Artedomus’ four showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth.