The kitchen has always been the heart of the home, a place where family and friends gather, and memories are created. When it comes to kitchen design, the classic look has an enduring appeal. It exudes timeless elegance, clean lines, and a sense of warmth that never goes out of style.
However, achieving this classic look can sometimes be challenging, especially when it comes to selecting the right materials. Traditional solutions like marble, wood, and natural stone have their charm, but they also come with limitations and maintenance concerns. This is where porcelain stoneware comes into play, offering a modern alternative that can beautifully replicate the classic aesthetics while providing practical advantages.
The allure of classic kitchen design
Classic kitchen design is characterised by elements that stand the test of time. It’s about creating a space with a sense of symmetry, balanced proportions, and a timeless feel. A classic kitchen often features elegant cabinetry, simple but sophisticated hardware, and a neutral colour palette.
This design style has an enduring appeal because it can transform a kitchen into a welcoming and comfortable space that never goes out of fashion.
Amidst the classic elements, one crucial factor that contributes to the overall aesthetics and functionality of this room is the choice of tiles for kitchen. They play a pivotal role in defining the character of the space. They can bring cohesion and elegance to the design while ensuring practicality and durability.
Challenges with traditional materials
While classic kitchens are highly desirable, they often rely on traditional materials like marble, wood, and natural stone to achieve their look. These materials have their unique beauty, but they also come with challenges.
For example, marble can be prone to staining and requires regular sealing. Wood, while warm and inviting, is susceptible to scratches and water damage. Natural stone, although stunning, can be expensive to install and may require ongoing maintenance. This is where porcelain stoneware comes into play, able to perfectly replicate the textures of any material.
Porcelain stoneware as a classic alternative
Porcelain stoneware is a versatile and durable alternative to traditional materials. It’s a type of ceramic tile made from natural clay, feldspar, and quartz. The manufacturing process involves firing the materials at high temperatures, resulting in a dense and hardwearing surface.
What makes porcelain stoneware particularly appealing is its ability to mimic the appearance of classic materials, such as marble, stone, clay, terracotta, and wood, with remarkable accuracy.
Whether you desire the elegant veining of the marble, the warmth of oak wood, or the rustic charm of natural stone, porcelain stoneware offers a wide range of design options. These tiles come in various sizes, colours, and patterns, allowing you to customise your kitchen to your heart’s content. The best part? Porcelain stoneware captures the classic aesthetic while being more affordable and easier to maintain.
Some practical advantages of porcelain stoneware
Apart from its aesthetic appeal, porcelain stoneware offers practical advantages that make it an excellent choice for a classic kitchen. They include:
- Durability. Porcelain stoneware is highly resistant to stains, scratches, and heat, making it perfect for a busy kitchen where cooking and entertaining are frequent activities.
- Low maintenance. It’s a low-maintenance option, requiring minimal effort to keep it looking its best. Unlike marble or wood, porcelain stoneware doesn’t require special treatments or sealing, making it a hassle-free choice.
- Longevity. Porcelain stoneware’s durability contributes to the longevity of the classic kitchen look, ensuring it remains beautiful for years to come.
- Affordability. Porcelain stoneware offers the beauty of classic materials at a more affordable price point, making it accessible for a wider range of homeowners.
Ceramiche Refin: enhancing every space with elegant Italian porcelain stoneware
Italian elegance meets the warmth of wood, the allure of terracotta, and the sophistication of marble in the porcelain stoneware lines crafted by Ceramiche Refin. Established in Emilia-Romagna since 1962, the company has consistently delivered a perfect blend of aesthetic refinement, versatility, and technological innovation. The strictly Made in Italy and 100% eco-sustainable offerings cater to the design needs of diverse settings, including offices, private residences, retail spaces, and commercial areas.
Among the company’s recent collections, we find CERA, one of the most striking and unexpected novelties. Its uniqueness lies in its inspiration drawn from the properties of wax, a rare element in the world of ceramic surfaces. Refin’s tile designers embarked on a meticulous research journey, closely observing the material and its transformation processes. The Italian company successfully captured the plasticity of wax, resulting in a graphic that boasts remarkable depth.
For those seeking to infuse the untamed beauty of nature into interior spaces, the NAMIB collection offers an inspired choice. Drawing inspiration from one of the world’s oldest deserts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this collection harmoniously blends vastness and simplicity. Its surface boasts an overall uniformity, underpinned by an earthy character that is juxtaposed with a refined graphic design, rich in detail and colour variations upon closer examination.
An outstanding addition to Refin’s offerings is the revamped PRESTIGIO collection, designed to align with the latest industry trends in marble-effect ceramic slabs. It effortlessly marries the authentic characteristics of natural marbles with a fresh contemporary style, making it ideal for bathroom tiles. The collection introduces five new white marble variants: Statuario Apuano, Calacatta Oro, Nuvolato, Arabescato, and Opera.
Lastly, HALO stands out as a brick-effect wall tile collection, distinguished by its glossy finishes, vibrant colours, and glazed surfaces, now available in the new 6×24 cm format. Perfect for accentuating architectural volumes, furnishing elements, and adding character to commercial and residential spaces, it showcases surfaces that alternate between light and dark streaks, with reliefs that bestow a three-dimensional and non-uniform tactile quality.
