Understand that "Corian" is only one particular brand of acrylic benchtop, like as with reconstituted stone and laminate material, people often refer to it by the name of the most popular brand name, but their are always different levels and tiers of quality across an array of different companies that manufacture this type of bench top material. We regularly utilise and specific acrylic bench top material on our projects such as below. It's the most seamless and malleable bench top material from a design point of view than any of the other options available. Most of our higher end projects choose to go with it and for good reason, and we've never had an issue with it. Any defects can be relatively easily repaired, the success of which is not so much in regards to the quality of the material, but rather the contractors who work with and install it. So if anyone's had issues it can typically be pegged back to a workmanship or fitting issue, or potentially on a rare occasion if there's an actual defect with the material/product it should be replaced properly/completely rather than just patched up. www.pauldistefanodesign.com

Hi Lorza101, You're kitchen looks lovely! The white cabinets will really brighten the space and when combined with an oak floor, will not be stark. Timber is always a good way to add warmth - though this can be done using large chopping boards (particularly round ones leaning against the splash back) and other accessories. I'm only reluctant with timber bench tops around sink areas. If you go with a dark stone top, try to tie it in with your splash back, possibly through tiles. If you like patterned tiles, this is an opportunity, though avoid encaustic tiles, as these are too porous for a kitchen splash back. Is your overhang 400mm on the long side for seating? If it is 40mm, I would think a 20mm stone top will be fine, though at 400mm I would take the advice of the stone guys and go with a 30mm top, particularly as it won't be supported with waterfall ends. Good luck with the rest of your renovation. Cathy

hi my husband and i are installing a new kitchen and currently looking at Corian or Evostone for the benchtops. does anyone have any good / bad advice on either? thanks!

I think following trends is a waste of time. You're the one who has to live with it. If you like a waterfall benchtop and want to pay for one, have one. If you personally like something else then have that instead. That island pictured is perfectly fine .It's smart to have the overhang that deep, it's actually the same length as the waterfall. If it were cut shorter not only would your feet kick the stools as you walk around the island but it would look unbalanced then with a very obvious short side. You see, some people see the distance from the edge to the cupboard, I see the benchtop and how one end relates to the other. You might be someone like me who has that orientation or like the others who have a different one. Different perspectives see things differently, that is the beauty of life. If we all thought the same it would be boring.