Australians have been rediscovering the art of cooking over the past few years, and Cohen Handler has increasingly seen client briefs include a functional and modern kitchen as high on the list of must-haves.
The all-important kitchen benchtop is often a key decision in whether a property buyer is happy to keep their kitchen as-is or if they think they will have to update the room, which can greatly impact the amount they’re prepared to offer for a property.
Leon Jacques, Buyers Agent for Cohen Handler says trends have changed over recent years. After years of the white-on-white-on-white look dominating Australian kitchens, people are injecting colour into the kitchen.
“We are spending more and more time in the kitchen, and our buyers want it to reflect their personalities and suit their lifestyles.”
Natural or manmade
Two of the most popular finishings in the kitchen are quartz and marble.
Quartz, often known as Caeserstone, is a manmade, non-porous material often made to look like marble.
It is known for its durability, low maintenance, and relative affordability compared to marble.
On the other hand, marble is a totally natural substance, and like any natural material, its quality can vary. The cost will depend on the quality of the stone, its rarity and the costs to transport and import it.
While many people like the look and feel of marble, it is a porous material. And while you can seal it to reduce stains, marble does require regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Some of the most popular marbles in Australia include:
- Calacatta marble is a type of white marble prized for its elegant, veiny appearance. It is a popular choice for kitchen countertops and backsplashes in Australia due to its durability and staining resistance. Calacatta marble is known for its distinctive, greyish-white veining that creates a sophisticated, luxurious look.
- Carrara marble is another popular type of white marble that is often used in kitchen countertops and backsplashes in Australia. It is known for its delicate, feathery veining and soft, white colour. Carrara marble is a softer, more porous type of marble than Calacatta, so it requires more maintenance and caress to keep it looking its best.
- Nero Marquina marble is a type of black marble that is known for its dramatic, high-contrast veining. It is a popular choice for kitchen countertops and backsplashes in Australia due to its sleek, modern appearance and durability. Nero Marquina marble is perfect for creating a bold, statement-making look in a kitchen.
- Statuario marble is a white marble with a creamy white colour and delicate grey veining. It is a popular choice for kitchen countertops and backsplashes in Australia due to its timeless, classic look. Statuario marble is known for its beautiful, luminous appearance and is often used to create a classic, sophisticated look in a kitchen.
- Green marble is a type of marble that comes in various shades, from pale mint green to deep forest green. It is a popular choice for kitchen countertops and backsplashes in Australia due to its unique, eye-catching colour. Green marble is perfect for creating a bold, statement-making look in a kitchen and can add a touch of nature-inspired beauty to any space.
Leon Jacque added that when designing a kitchen there are two main rules you should consider.
“If you’re planning on living in your house forever, and you install a kitchen that follows an extreme trend or is highly catered to your own taste, it really doesn’t matter. But if you know at some point you’ll be selling your house or apartment, you may want to think of installing more neutral items that stand the test of time, and that will appear to a wider range of buyers.”