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.

Replacing the blinds and the benchtops could make a big difference. White blinds will reflect light and make it feel more spacious. ...and yes the blue benchtop has to go :) Either lighter or darker is the way to go - there are pros and cons either way. Light will reflect light but show scratches and stains. Dark will absorb light but be more forgiving in terms of stains which may be preferable for a rental. Below are some pics for inspiration. The first pic below shows plantation shutters in a kitchen and you can see how it makes a difference to the light streaming in the window. The second pic shows how a dark benchtop can look stylish. We couldn't find an example of a kitchen with timber cabinets to show you. Renovating for a rental property versus your own home is quite different. We always recommend stone benchtops and this is what all of our clients opt for as it gives them the best long term solution. Something to consider but it costs are a factor then a short term solution is probably best for you at the moment. I hope this helps.

Hi claire, did you end up installing a Q Stone benchtop? i am looking at the blanc pearl. just wondered your review on the product.

Hi Deanne, I agree that if you really set your heart on something, you should try to find a way to have it, otherwise every time you look at your kitchen bench, you will always have it in your mind. One possibility to stretch your budget is to keep it to the island bench or peninsular or breakfast bar and have another material for the cooktop bench, if that suits your kitchen layout. For instance, stainless steel will go with but not compete with the stone. Alternatively you could use a plain black engineered stone for the other areas. If the areas are not separated, i.e, you have a 'U' shaped kitchen, you can still use different materials by lowering the cooking bench by 50 or 75mm or raising the Dolormite bench if you are taller than average. Sometimes by having a smaller amount of it and having the contrast, can make it all that more 'precious'. Less is more. Good luck, C.