Another vote for Dekton and Sileston Quartz worktops, use them all the time in our projects as so much more forgiving and low maintenance than granite or marble. Agree that Corian is a good option if you have a large island to prevent visible joins, whilst it has other benefits you do need to be very careful when it comes to heat. Vast range of colours and textures in all types nowadays so the type of material shouldn't limit the effect you want to achieve - be that traditional or contemporary. I am always a big advocate that a worktop is an investment, there is no point spending a large sum on a beautiful quality kitchen and then finishing it off with a worktop that won't stand up to time as well as the rest of the room or cheapen the look - I always recommend to go for the best you can afford.

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.

How about making a concrete worktop. This isn't beyond the ability of a fairly competent DIYer. There are lots of YouTube videos to help and the worktops can be practically any colour and add a personal touch. The materials are extremely cheap. We have recently made concrete tops for within our larder to see whether is really as easy as it looks, and are delighted with the results.

Hi, your kitchen looks beautiful! came across threads as we too are currently debating diy kitchens cashmere or light grey, we have ordered cashmere and started to have doubts that it would be too dark. Though looking at yours I'm reassured again! I just wondered what wood worktop/and poss stain you have chosen? We looked at a solid wood oak but i thought it looked a bit yellowy. (fab choice on floor too)