A lot of people ask how easy it is to clean stainless steel [worktops]. The simple answer is 'very easy' and GEC Anderson recommend the microfibre cloths that have been mentioned by a number of contributors, in combination with cold water. Simply wipe down the worktop after use to prevent build up of streaks or marks - especially, in hard water areas. And that's it! Some words of caution probably should be taken into account before making a final decision as to whether stainless steel suits your lifestyle. Stainless steel is prone to attracting finger prints and marks and so the key here is to regularly wipe down the surface so as not to let dirt and extraneous material to build up in the first place. Another thing to consider is that stainless steel will scratch and mark over time. This is perfectly normal! Scratches and marks will build up over time, creating a unique patina appearance. Simply ignore them. Your stainless steel worktop will outlast pretty much every other alternative worktop material and should provide you with several decades of useful service.

I like your blue walls, but then I've just painted some of my living room walls blue! I went for F&B Clunch on the other walls, which is a difficult colour to describe - a sort of chalky white. It can look off-white in some lights, or beige and sometimes olive in others. It's definitely a warm white and really lifts the blue if you wanted to keep one of your blue walls for contrast. F&B paint is expensive, which put me off trying it at first. But I've found that I need to use far less than other paints so the cost balances out or you can get it colour matched at B&Q.

Claudia Raperport - Your kitchen looks really nice. Where did you get your floor from? honeypoppet - Very good point about the tiles. We have some green samples coming this week. If we don't love them I think we will play it a bit more safe with white/grey tiles. Man About The House - The DIY & Odd Job Handyman - Those tiles look really nice. They are currently sold out but should be back in stock soon. I don't suppose you have any pictures of them in your daughters kitchen? Floor Monster - Currently checking your website and I may request some samples/

Depending on the make of kitchen you choose, there may be a number of "white" available, ranging from a crystal "bright" white to the more yellowy end of white. It's always a good idea to try and take any door samples outside to view in natural light as studio/showroom lighting may alter the tone somewhat.