Caesarstone’s 5100 Vanilla Noir worktop brings durability and drama to this high-traffic kitchen perfectly suited for hosting and gathering.
Set in Chislehurst, South-East London, this modern, monochromatic kitchen was designed by Piqu with heavy family use and frequent entertaining in mind – calling for materials which effortlessly blend durability and elegance.
A medley of fresh white cabinets, oak parquet flooring, and black steel hardware is paired with Caesarstone 5100 Vanilla Noir worktops, which extend into a waterfall-edge island. The surface’s rich ebony base is washed with creamy veining, creating a dramatic effect. This design was chosen to tie the material palette together. The deep colour reflects the matt black detailing throughout the space, grounding the crisp white units.
Adrian Graves, Lead Kitchen Designer at Piqu, explains: “The homeowners were looking to renovate their kitchen with a focus on maximising the space available. They challenged us to come up with a new layout that would make better use of the compact room. With careful planning and thoughtful design, we were able to introduce a reasonably sized kitchen island, leaving enough room to walk around all sides and bring in a lot more functionality and practicality.”
He continues, “They wanted a space that would be perfect for entertaining, so we included the hob and seating in the island, allowing for enhanced social interaction during cooking. We also created a beautiful bar unit and designed a 'butler' kitchen, allowing bulky appliances and more messy items to be kept out of the main kitchen.”
Adrian suggested Caesarstone as he knew it would appeal to the family’s desire for a low-maintenance and durable yet beautiful material. “The clients fell in love with Vanilla Noir early on,” he recalls. “They loved the unique dark colour and subtle veining that looks beautiful against the light-coloured kitchen furniture – creating a very pleasing and luxurious palette.” Easy to clean and maintain, the material offers peace of mind without sacrificing style, making it the perfect choice for a space that sees frequent use by both the family and guests.
Commenting on the rising trend for dark worktops in interiors, Caesarstone’s Head of Design, Mor Krisher, says: “Dark colours are bold and dramatic, and undoubtably growing in popularity. Contrary to what people often think, black doesn’t always create sombre or austere spaces. I’m a big fan of dark worktops paired with white or pale wood cabinetry and metallic accents. This creates a striking look whilst keeping the space feeling open and neutral.”
In addition to the Caesarstone worktops, Piqu incorporated premium appliances from brands such as Siemens, Franke, and Quooker throughout the space. These carefully selected elements contribute to a kitchen that is not only visually striking but also built for high performance and longevity.
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