Thank you everyone. I was sorry to hear about GGDrive's misfortune with the flood but really enjoy hearing all your opinions. I had granite in my previous house and it looked gorgeous but from a practice point of view, it cooled the food quickly if you didn’t remember to use a cork placemat and is very cold if you lean on it to chat over a cup of coffee. It was also tricky to keep shiny, despite the special granite polish. Quartz is pretty too but both options cost more than I paid for the base and wall units. I saw a very impressive and economical Formica with oak woodblock finish, but was hoping to have a KARNDEAN wooden style floor and having read the discussions on HOUZZ, think the two would fight each other. The kitchen is small by USA standards and in a U shape with satin white units. Shall I A)emphasise a Spring Oak Karndean floor and find plain Formica (slate pic) or B)have the oak effect Formica worktops (see oak pic) and chose a slate tile effect Karndean floor? Lyn, Dorset, UK.

My proveider has all samples except Classic white. White Zeus extreme is too plain. White Storm has a few too many specks. Is classic white more white than White storm. DOes anyone have Classic white in their kitchen?

I think the cheaper finish actually goes beautifully with the worksurface, but it's a very icy colour and will look very cold, if you mind that. I don't think the other colour will go so well - it's too pure a blue. + 1 for trying duck egg blue.

If you include a 100mm upstand you will still have a gap if its 660mm and the alusplash is only 610mm wide. You could make it look deliberate by stopping under the units and having the gap of 50mm. I wouldn't do the upstand and then the alusplash its not sleek. If you do the alusplash start at the worktop and have the gap above. That could be the starting point for the shelf. Metro tiles are fussy to clean and unless white on white can look very busy. Zellige tiles are stunning but for that square meterage probably eye wateringly expensive. I would do a serious houzz search of what you are planning in photos, save lots to ideabooks and then see which style appeals to you the most to help you decide. If you have the upstand I wouldn't do any splashback above it. It looks great with only a good wallcolour.