Strike a pose with your grand island bench
Today’s array of kitchen benchtops have certainly evolved over the decades. Gone are the days when benchtops were pokey, plain and constricted. Now, benchtops are front-runner trend setters, with a suite of head-turning profiles on offer which ooze glamour and functionality.
We spoke to Henley Design Manager, Vicki Gillingham, who laid out all the news around what trending with grand island bench profiles and how they have become the centrepiece of your family home.
It’s got the look and you have the choice
Before deciding on the bench profile, firstly think about the material you want to put on the bench top.
There are a multitude of more accessible and affordable materials on offer to choose from, such as the very popular and versatile Caesarstone™ which is standard with Henley.
“For Henley’s Collection and Reserve Homes, there is a choice of 49 stunning Caesarstone™ colours to choose from - 17 of which are standard, in not only the kitchen but also the ensuite, bathroom and powder rooms. While our Reserve range of homes also gets the added luxury of Caesarstone™ to the laundry as well.”
Laminex® bench tops come in 250 colour choices to harmonise many different styles and trends. They offer look-alike wood grains, marbles, stones and granites, as well as a large selection of flat colours to choose from. Laminex® bench tops are offered throughout Henley’s Essence Homes and are included as standard to the laundry in their Collection Homes.
Grand island bench top
The rectangular grand island bench top is by far the most popular bench profile and is also the main feature in all Henley Homes kitchens. Sleek and sophisticated, the grand island is the epicentre for the family – gathering around it for meals and conversations.
“The grand island bench is the most practical home for the trusty sink where washing up can be done while overseeing the kids playing, having their snacks or while doing homework. This profile usually sees a Caesarstone™ benchtop in either a 20mm or 40mm thick profile and accompanied by laminate end panels to blend seamlessly with the island bench cabinetry or make a feature in a contrasting colour.” Vicki says.
The Lexington 28, at World of Homes Truganina, features a grand island benchtop which is so expansive at a touch under 3m long, it nearly needs its own postcode! All family members can easily convene around it, making mealtime a happy time!
Classy cascades
Vicki says, “As the name suggests, the waterfall edge to an island bench is when the benchtop surface cascades down on one or both sides of the benchtop to meet the floor. Seamless and streamlined, the waterfall is a sophisticated way to celebrate the benchtop surface while making a beautiful luxe stand out feature in the heart of your home.”
The Aegean 38A, on display at World of Homes, Clyde North, is a glorious example of a kitchen featuring a waterfall edge. Opulence is ramped up to another level with this bench profile, creating a timeless elegance.
Over the moon with the overhang
“Another very handy profile is a bench featuring an overhang, which can easily be used as an eating bar or food preparation counter. Dimensions of the overhang vary, with Henley recommending at least 450mm. The overhang is also ideal for larger breakfast stools, creating another convenient and comfortable eating area.” Vicki adds.
The Emperor 48 located at World of Homes in Truganina, boasts a stunning island bench with overhang, creating a perfect area for four stools to be tucked neatly into the overhang bench and not compromising on further space in the kitchen.
What’s for breaky?
A breakfast bar included to the island bench adds a very convenient bonus surface which cannot only be used for breaky but also as a less formal spot to work, relax or entertain. The breakfast bar, using a Laminex® feature upstand, can be used to fast track mealtimes as you don’t have to leave the kitchen to get hungry family members satisfied!
The Panama 28, located at World of Homes, Truganina, offers an elevated breakfast bar, perfect for three oversized stools. The breakfast bar contrasts well with the Caesarstone™ island bench, however, compliments the colour palette of the main kitchen cabinetry. You will be hard pressed to leave the space anytime of the day.
What kitchen benchtop profile do you fancy?
