Hi Joaney & Lainy I also use only windex on all my bench tops. The granite I had before was a white with a few burgundy streaks and gorgeous highlights through it. Can't remember the name, might have been River White but not sure and I found nothing stained it at all. The marble in my bathrooms I have now look very expensive and impressive but I know every single mark on them even though a visitor mightn't pick them out. In my kitchen I now have Caeser stone and if you want a virtually indestructible bench top this would be it. I have blackbutt timber floors and as they have a lot of color, I chose all white in the kitchen with just a tiny fleck. I just love granite because of the beautiful grains you get running through it.

Hi Angela. If your existing kitchen works for you, then replacing your benchtop and splashback will definitely work, as well as save you money. Whilst the Caesarstone's Linen is nice, I would recommend Smartstone Amara - it has a marble look, and is one of the more reasonably priced marble-look engineered stones. I have seen it installed and it looks fantastic. With the money saved, I recommend that you invest in some really beautiful tiles for the splashback (even if they are subway style, get really nice ones), some gorgeous new handles, as well as change the colour of your blinds to match as closely as possible the window architraves. A nice new sink and tap (think carefully about undermounted) will also help. Finally, if you can match your existing fronts exactly, then it may also be a good time to change the dishwasher to a fully integrated model. You could also replace the freestanding canopy, etc., as Design Fusion recommends, but that will cost you a quite bit more (it will require not only the new cabinet, but also redoing part of the bulkhead and cornice work), and you may have an issue with the new fronts matching the existing. All the best!

True, after 13 years our timber floor has collected its share of stilleto-heel dints, dropped-items dents, dragged furniture grooves and lots more (despite really trying hard with pads under all chairs and tables). One day we will simply have it sanded back and re-laquered. I would never change for tiles or any other flooring, though. You can't beat timber for comfort, temperature, appearance and above all; not showing every speck of dust. We did the same with timber benchtops in our previous house.

Hi Karly, We're loving what you have chosen so far! Although, we all have different tastes and styles - we are leaning towards Linen on this one. http://www.caesarstone.com.au/colour/2230-linen With those stunning rich Kempa floors, a warm neutral colour like Linen would work best. Contrasting white cabinetry - looks like you're onto a winner! Best, Caesarstone Australia