Artedomus Experts: Episode 8 – Reflecting Italy's Natural Beauty Through Benchtop Materials

In the final leg of their design odyssey through northern Italy, the Artedomus team explore the origins, materials and trusted partnerships behind their diverse benchtop surface offerings.

In northern Italy, the Artedomus team retrace the journey of their benchtop materials to better understand their origins, and to reconnect with the people and places that shape the final product. From long-standing supplier relationships to world-renowned quarries and factories, the visit reaffirmed the strong ties between material innovation and the Italian landscape.

“Once the material is cut into slabs, you can really start to see the natural beauty of each piece, and that’s where we begin our selection process.”

At the Arabescato marble quarry in Carrara, more than 150 years of continuous extraction provides a dramatic reminder of the stone’s fascinating history. Standing inside the mountain, surrounded by vast, freshly cut blocks of marble, the team witnessed a powerful expression of the scale and geology that shape Italian stone. “Once the material is cut into slabs, you can really start to see the natural beauty of each piece, and that’s where we begin our selection process,” says Artedomus managing director Phil Brenton.

Artedomus considers a variety of different elements when procuring a natural stone. “One of the things that we look for is, most obviously, its aesthetic attributes,” explains Matt Croll, Artedomus’s NSW sales manager. “The other thing we’re looking for is the length of the slabs – and often the width of the slabs – to ensure that they’re suitable for a large island bench or a back bench that’s got a matching splashback.”

“The best thing about granite is its consistency. It’s very durable because it’s got no imperfections through it like vein structures.”

Marble remains a classic choice, prized for its elegance and natural veining. Yet its calcium carbonate content means it requires care, particularly in high-use areas. For clients seeking a similar look with greater resilience, quartzite offers a compelling alternative. “It’s got those beautiful veins and colours, but because of the low calcium carbonate content, it doesn’t require as much maintenance as marble or limestone,” says Croll.

Travertine brings a different sensibility. Earthy and textured, with natural pits and a soft patina that develops over time, it evokes a tactile connection to the landscape – ideal for those who appreciate character and natural imperfection. Granite is favoured for its density and strength. “The best thing about granite is its consistency,” says Croll. “It’s very durable because it’s got no imperfections through it like vein structures. It comes with some unusual patterns and interesting tones and textures, and is a fantastic stone for a benchtop.”

Terrazzo offers a different kind of versatility, celebrated for its vibrant chips and customisable design possibilities.

Terrazzo offers a different kind of versatility, celebrated for its vibrant chips and customisable design possibilities. Suitable for floors, walls or benchtops, it develops a patina that enriches its depth and character. With appropriate sealing, terrazzo maintains its appearance while delivering a distinct textural dimension.

Beyond natural stone, Artedomus embraces innovation through porcelain panels from Italian manufacturer Fiandre. These large-format surfaces combine visual impact with technical performance. “There’s a predictability in the material that the end user and designer can expect,” says Kaena Rumeral-Acusa, Artedomus’s national operations coordinator. “The integrity and aesthetic of the material won’t change throughout its lifespan.” Non-porous and VOC-free, Fiandre panels resist scratches, heat, acids and UV rays. The company’s Active surface treatment adds antibacterial, antiviral, self-cleaning and anti-odour properties, features that resonate with both designers and homeowners.

“One of the first finishes people want to choose when they’re starting a new project is the kitchen benchtop,” says Brenton. “A lot of the design aesthetic can come from this one item, so it’s a super important part of what we do, and we’re very proud that we get the opportunity to choose so many fantastic options.”

Each material in the Artedomus portfolio offers distinct benefits, inspired by Italy’s natural wealth and brought to life through long-standing relationships with local suppliers. With a portfolio that spans marble, travertine, quartzite, granite, terrazzo and porcelain, Artedomus continues to offer the Australian market a vast selection of distinctive and enduring surfaces.

Stone, tiles and surfaces by Artedomus. Production by The Local Production.

“A lot of the design aesthetic can come from the kitchen benchtop, so it’s a super important part of what we do.”