COUNTER INTELLIGENCE

Practical and inspiring ideas for selecting the best kitchen worktop for your space

- AMELIA THORPE

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