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