Caesarstone's 506 Mirabel kitchen worktop surfaces deliver an organic marble aesthetic with the benefits of durability and low maintenance in this kitchen renovation.
Content creator Sharon Hornsby (@hornsby_style) recently completed an exciting kitchen renovation in her Sussex home. Living with her husband Jim and two of their three children, Sharon wanted to create a kitchen that would serve as the heart of their home. This transformation not only met the functional needs of her family but also embraced design and durability with the help of Caesarstone’s 506 Mirabel worktop surface.
When Sharon and her family first moved into their home, they embarked on a major renovation that doubled its size, transforming part of the ground floor into a large kitchen, dining, and family room, complete with a built-in pantry. However, unfortunately, COVID-19 disrupted the project, leaving it unfinished and turning it into a DIY effort due to budget constraints. Last year, the family completed the final phase, creating a space ideal for cooking, family gatherings, and entertaining. "We wanted a practical kitchen that could also bring everyone together," Sharon shares.
One of the challenges of the renovation was reconfiguring the layout to maximise space and functionality. Sharon reduced the size of the island, allowing for a new run of units, a built-in seating bench along the wall, and a shelving unit at the end of the island. The wall cabinets were also replaced with larger oak countertop units to improve storage.
When it came to selecting the perfect worktop and splashback, Sharon was initially drawn to marble. "I love the look of marble, but cost and maintenance were concerns," she explains. With friends and family often gathering in the space, she needed a surface that would withstand heavy use. Her search led her to Caesarstone’s London studio, where customers can book visits to view large slabs of their favourite designs and explore the extensive range of surfaces in detail. A member of the knowledgeable team was on hand to provide expert advice, explaining the differences between materials and finishes to help Sharon make an informed choice. It was during this visit that she discovered Mirabel from Caesarstone’s Porcelain range. "I fell in love with Mirabel after visiting Caesarstone’s London showroom - it had the alabaster marble look I wanted, but with a silk finish instead of gloss”, says Sharon.
Mirabel, part of Caesarstone's Porcelain range, stood out because of its remarkable resemblance to the marble Sharon had originally envisioned, without the maintenance hassles. Its design features a soft ivory base intertwined with bold grey veins and accented with delicate hints of copper.
"I’d never considered Porcelain before, but after seeing the beauty of the patterns and learning how durable and low-maintenance it is, I was convinced that it would be the ideal choice for our busy home," Sharon notes. To enhance the visual impact of the surface, she opted for mitred edges, creating a thicker, more substantial profile that adds to the luxurious feel of the space. With porcelain also being resistant to UV exposure and suitable for outdoor use, Sharon appreciated how the material would complement both the indoor and future outdoor spaces of her home. “I’m excited that we can match the worktops when we build an outdoor kitchen later this year for continuity," she says. The added bonus? Caesarstone’s Lifetime Warranty gave Sharon the confidence that her surface would remain beautiful for years to come.
The introduction of Mirabel into Sharon’s kitchen has elevated the entire space from a practical and aesthetic point of view. Its striking design draws the eye, creating a cohesive focal point that seamlessly ties together the traditional features and warm tones in the room. Its copper and charcoal swirls add depth and character, contrasting beautifully with the soft ivory base and complementing the neutral cabinetry, as well as the bold shades of the dresser, pantry, and bench.
Are you planning your kitchen renovation? Now’s the perfect time to explore our catalogue, order your favourite samples, and discover endless possibilities for your space. Interested in learning more about porcelain? Visit our Porcelain Collection page to find out more
