How porcelain surfaces elevated the kitchen in Sharon Hornsby's Sussex home

When social media content creator, blogger and interior stylist Sharon Hornsby embarked on a kitchen renovation project, the discovery of porcelain surfaces proved to be a revelation – she explains why.

Content creator Sharon Hornsby recently completed an exciting kitchen renovation in her Sussex home. Living with her husband Jim and 2 of their 3 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, the pandemic 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 says.

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 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.

“The need for texture and matt finishes is part of a bigger move towards bolder patterns, and Caesarstone Porcelain delivers just that," says Jonathan Stanley, VP of marketing at Caesarstone UK & ROI. "Warm hues, low reflective surfaces and strong vein patterns, often with a slightly raised vein running across the surface – people are looking for surfaces that invite you touch and that you can really feel beneath your fingers. Caesarstone 508 Isobellia – with its textured golden streaks – and 506 Mirabel – with its copper veining – have become some of our best-selling designs within a very short space of time. The desire for pattern, texture and quality in a kitchen that is designed around the best core elements, means that the worktop is part of the very foundation of the design as one of the most visually prominent and hands-on pieces.”

"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 says. 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.