![COUNTER INTELLIGENCE](https://cdn.magzter.com/1387255367/1720074562/articles/ce_pDUdLU1721304450208/COUNTER-INTELLIGENCE.jpg)
WARM WOOD
For rustic character, timber is hard to beat. 'Wood is beautifully tactile and naturally warmer to the touch than stone, so it offers a more relaxed and gentle approach to worktops, especially in kitchens that blend into living areas,' says Helen Parker, creative director of de VOL. Hardwoods, such as iroko and oak, are good choices, but all timber worktops will require regular maintenance. Avoid direct exposure to heat and prolonged soaking, although it is usually possible to rub down and re-oil the surface to repair any damage. Keep the wood nourished and, in return, it will give you an ever-changing patina that gets better and better over time,' Helen notes.
CLEVER COMPOSITES
'A composite stone worktop is easy to maintain with no sealing required, unlike natural stone, and will look great for years to come,' says interior designer Laura Stephens. Composites include quartz mineral mixed with resin, known for durability and stain resistance, with a variety of low-silica options and some containing recycled materials now available, such as Silestone Mineral Hybriq surfaces. There is also a new generation of extremely hard and resilient porcelain and sintered stone surfaces, including Dekton, Neolith and Caesarstone Porcelain. Non-porous and hygienic, they can usually even be used for an outdoor kitchen, thanks to their robust qualities.
MARBLE MAGIC
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 2024-Ausgabe von Country Homes & Interiors.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 2024-Ausgabe von Country Homes & Interiors.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
![Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/aUGxaxLGD1721306249387/SOWING-THE-SEEDS-FOR-A-LIFE-OF-ABUNDANCE.jpg)
Sowing the seeds for a life of abundance
The perpetual rhythm of planting, tending and harvesting brings a feeling of hope and fulfilment to Diana Yates, and it extends beyond her Greenfields garden to all of her life
![Cabin fever](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/Qe6X9He1D1721305941079/CABIN-FEVER.jpg)
Cabin fever
Offering cosy, doll's house-sized country retreats, cabins combine modern comforts with an immersive experience of nature
!['Building boats has become my passion'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/MSzfEzVd61721305617555/BUILDING-BOATS-HAS-BECOME-MY-PASSION.jpg)
'Building boats has become my passion'
Wooden boat builder, Obioma Oji
![Cover-up job](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/nWz5PClth1721305374805/COVERUP-JOB.jpg)
Cover-up job
Durable and decorative, cladding is a brilliant way to protect your home's exterior without compromising its aesthetics
![Flights of fancy](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/IxeRm2iin1721305214040/FLIGHTS-OF-FANCY.jpg)
Flights of fancy
Replace or refurbish your staircase and you'll elevate the appearance of your home at every level. Here are the steps to take...
![TRUE BLUE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/fNAfLJS4H1721304743925/TRUE-BLUE.jpg)
TRUE BLUE
A firm favourite for decorating, blue is one of the most restful, mindful shades in the colour spectrum. Stylist and interiors expert Sara Bird shares how to use it in your country home
![COUNTER INTELLIGENCE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/ce_pDUdLU1721304450208/COUNTER-INTELLIGENCE.jpg)
COUNTER INTELLIGENCE
Practical and inspiring ideas for selecting the best kitchen worktop for your space
![A GARDEN GLOW-UP](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/QwSMYyaxN1721304105444/A-GARDEN-GLOWUP.jpg)
A GARDEN GLOW-UP
As late summer days begin to shorten, extend your time outdoors with a blend of practical and decorative lighting
![TRÈS BELLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/9ZON-tSnH1721303584828/TRS-BELLE.jpg)
TRÈS BELLE
Sharon and Tony Dallas have turned their dilapidated Grade II-listed house in Essex into an enchanting home with a considered colour palette and French treasures galore
![HOME AT LAST](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5132/1754700/10EhUucXJ1721302984931/HOME-AT-LAST.jpg)
HOME AT LAST
Having often walked past their dream property over the years, Rich and Emma Proud finally became its owners and turned it into a comfortable home for three generations of their family