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.

Generally it has to be Quartz, though we do love others, as sometimes they can give the right feel for the design you want. Different metals can look amazing and Quartz can't replicate these. We are just starting a project that has mainly Quartz but one side of the island will be copper . . . Can't wait to see the finished look

You’re absolutely right of course and apologies for being unkind. I can can see the work is done to a high standard and it’s a great space. I’m just getting little board by grey even though, admittedly we have quite a bit of grey in our home (and I’m not talking about my hair...).

If you are not going to drain anything then no need. Maybe your reasoning for a double bowl sink is to fit one with a draining rack? If you are going to use the granite as a drainer then in my opinion they are required as the slight gradient on them will direct surface water into the sink rather than onto the floor. Black or dark granite colours will also show watermarks caused by standing water, particular if you live in a hard water area. You can choose the shape and size of drainer grooves, so if you keep it simple they will hardly be noticed.