9 Granite, Quartz and Sintered Surfaces for a More Luxe Look

Marble isn’t the only stone that makes for sleek surfaces.

Style and durability are two things that every savvy homeowner looks out for when getting new materials for their renovation. And while some might think these qualities are mutually exclusive, they really aren’t, especially when it comes to granite, quartz, and sintered surfaces.

Given proper care, these countertop materials can stand up to the test of time on top of bringing just the right amount of class to your kitchen and bathrooms. But which should you pick? To help you decide, we’ve put together a brief guide on each of these options along with a list of 9 stylish designs from homegrown surface player Lian Hin!

Granite

Granite is frequently thought to be a less stylish option than marble, but it does hold appeal as a more durable natural stone. Homeowners who hate worrying about maintenance will do well to install granite countertops in their kitchen as they’re not only heat-resistant, but also less susceptible to stains than their marble counterparts.

This difference in toughness between both stones can be chalked up to their components: marble is comprised of calcite crystals that react strongly to acidic substances (e.g., lemon juice, coffee, Coca-Cola), whereas granite is mostly made of quartz and feldspars (solid compounds of aluminium and silica) which are more resistant to corrosion.

1. Monocromo

Most granite options feature speckles rather than veins (which is almost always the case for marble) on their surfaces – and that’s also what makes Monocromo an exception from the norm, as well as the perfect fit for a dark, handsome interior that oozes masculine charm.

2. Imperial Black

Though it has a speckled surface just like other granite slabs, what distinguishes Imperial Black from the rest is its smaller white flecks that can only be seen close up. Try this finely-patterned option for a surprising, yet subtle decorative accent in a monochrome home

3. Emerald Pearl

Much like terrazzo and other surface materials with stones/minerals embedded in them, granite slabs with coarser grains (especially the darker ones) tend to be more eye-catching because of their raw, crystalline elements that stand out. If such patterns appeal to you, don’t pass on Lian Hin’s Emerald Pearl and its myriad accents that shine like diamonds in a night sky.

Quartz

Countertops made of quartz – or more accurately, engineered quartz – may look and feel like the real deal, but they’re in fact a man-made mixture of quartzite (the actual ‘quartz’ that occurs in nature), polymer resins, and pigments, which is then compacted to create dense, non-porous slabs that resemble limestone, marble, and other natural rocks.

1. Collina

Although Collina – pictured here as an elegant breakfast bar countertop – is almost visually indistinguishable from natural marble, but that’s where the similarities end. Due to it being non-porous, Collina (as well as other quartz options) is stain-resistant and bacteria-proof, both of which are desirable features for any child-friendly home.

2. Glacier

As an artificial material, quartz can take on the appearance of more than just marble. For example, Lian Hin’s Glacier perfectly mimics the swirls and patches of weathered limestone on its surface, allowing it to serve as the perfect foil to a backdrop of blue-green tiles in a visually impactful bathroom.

3. White Star

Unless you’d like to have a cohesive look throughout, the colour of your countertop doesn’t always have to match its surroundings. And proving this design rule here in this eclectic-style kitchen is Lian Hin’s White Star in its role as the lighter half of a high-contrast, black-and-white pairing.

Sintered surface/stone

If marble is the old-timer of countertop materials, then sintered stone is the new kid on the block. Made by blending, compacting, and then firing clays, feldspars, kaolin and quartz at temperatures above 1,200 degree Celsius, this artificial material is engineered for looks, durability, and a long lifespan.

1. Ruscello

Just like engineered quartz, sintered stone is non-porous in nature and doesn’t require sealing to prevent moisture from seeping into it. For this reason, it can be put to good use as an integrated sink too, as exemplified by the application of Lian Hin’s Ruscello in this chic open-concept en suite that gives us hotel vibes.

2. Oro

The Spanish term ‘Oro’ translates in English as gold, and it’s a fitting name for this sintered stone pattern from Lian Hin. Grey veins with subtle lines of gold follow the entirety of Oro’s surface, giving it a continuous appearance that’s ideal for large-format use, like in the form of top and side claddings for a classy kitchen island.

3. Belleza

As Lian Hin’s Belleza so elegantly shows, white isn’t the only the colour that sintered surfaces come in – and it’s here in interior designer Royston Ho’s maisonette home that Belleza’s handsomely dark hues take centre stage, bringing a dramatic quality to not just a striking kitchen, but also a statement-making bathroom sink!

Surface materials that weave aesthetics with functionality

As an established local dealer and fabricator for granite, marble, quartz, and sintered stone surfaces since 1989, Lian Hin is one brand that you can trust to bring form and function to your home.

Visit their website or drop them an email at enquiry@lianhin.com to find out more about their surface collections: CANDEO (granite and marble), ARCUS (quartz), and VULCAN (sintered stone)!

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