I probably would steer away from black if you want to keep the country theme

Hi if you are remodelling yourselves it helps to think of the blocks of colour in large scale as well as the natural and artificial lighting - things will change accordingly. I found some images here on Houzz for both of those samples. In the end, each tone will give you a different feel. Factoring in the design of the kitchen itself.This first kitchen uses 'Bianco Drift' in a traditional style . Whereas this kitchen has 'Frosty Carrina' caesarstone. We have 'Almond Rocca' caesarstone in our bathrooms which is quite yellow - warm. And we have 'Nougat' in our kitchen which is fresh and clean and white. I personally prefer a clean look in my kitchen. What are you drawn to? Regards Jacqueline

Ok, so we don't need engineered stone in our kitchen, as we have it there already, but we just had more of the same stone installed in our new powder room & ensuite to match the kitchen's earthy colour scheme. We do, however, need to choose a natural granite for our alfresco kitchen as engineered stones are not covered by manufactures' warranty in our situation. So, I stick with engineered and natural stones for the long term bench top of choice.

I wouldn't have timber around a sink or other wet area but I do have a large spotted gum island bench that I just love. In a previous kitchen I had a very deep timber island bench with the stove top into it and, again, that wasn't a problem – because all the things you have to do to maintain the timber bench are just the same things you need to do to have a clean kitchen work area. Maintenance is wiping it over every day (and often several times a day depending on activities) but isn't that what you'd do regardless of the material? Once a week (or even a fortnight if it's been a quiet time) I polish it which means tidying away everything that has collected on it – but, again, regardless of material the tidying away part has to happen regularly and then you may as well give whatever surface it is a good rub. So I don't really understand the chorus of 'But timber takes too much care and maintenance'. The issue of a natural material showing its age and use (patina) is another furphy in my opinion – timber looks better and better as it ages whereas many other materials just look shabbier. The timber glows in daylight and under lights, is quiet, warm and welcoming making it a natural place for people to gather and chat, have a cuppa (or something stronger) and something to nibble on, read the newspaper, make a phone call, do a crossword, whatever ... And it becomes more beautiful as it ages.