For anyone still deciding on which worktop to choose, we've got a great Ideabook to walk you through all the options! https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/kitchen-planning-how-to-choose-the-perfect-worktop-stsetivw-vs~32573820

Have you had a look at quartz (silestone, compac, cimstone etc)? They offer a lot of white coloured stone and it has the features of granite worktops with the look, feel and touch but they come without the added maintenance of granite worktops. Wood worktops compliment light coloured kitchens but they do come with extra maintenance that if not kept up to scratch will make the wood look nasty after a while. Corian is a solid surface material that comes with various white/grey/light colourways and a key thing that makes it popular is that the joins are invisible, so it looks like one giant piece. Personal preference and a lot of pictures will get you an idea of what it is you want. There are quite a lot of options out there so make sure you take some time to research each worktop material and brand.

Hi, I've now had quartz worktops fitted in a white with grey and mirror flecks (compact lactea) & attach photos. Cabinets are all done too. My next area is what to do for splashback behind the hob/under the extractor. I originally wanted to do red glass across the length of the wall, but we have had under unit lights fitted below the higher cabinets and at night I can change these to any colour I want. If I do red all across I won't get the effect of the lights. Not even sure red would go? The wooden chairs are going and will be replaced & I still need to choose my island lights (thinking 3 pendants hanging). Husband thinks stainless steel sheet behind hob. I'm not sure this will look right with dark glass hob under it & wonder if it is hard to look clean all the time. What ideas do you all have as you helped with the worktops. I also show the dining table and the new open lounge area (intend to put a rug down). We also still need to find wall lights.

Thanks again Deirdre ... oops ... I overlooked your question about the direction! The kitchen is south facing so it should be ok. I know what you mean about grey being a cleaner look and I do love it with white but was just thinking that it may all look too stark. Having said that I do have floor space for a good sized lime green rug that I own and if I had a window blind made in the same colour then perhaps that would work. I also have 3 lime green ceramic pots/vases which I love and they could sit on the windowsill too. That would then be enough colour accent to lift it I think. Oh decisions, decisions ... :) Will post again once I'm in and have done the deed. Thanks to everyone again for your time.