Every kitchen will have work surfaces, also known as the surfaces above counters that make any spills easy to clean up, and they prevent damage to the cupboards and cabinets beneath. Granite work surfaces are extremely popular and they offer a solid yet sophisticated style. They have a similar look to marble, which is another option itself.

Some people opt for real wood work surfaces, and these tend to require more maintenance over time, while they tend to be more expensive. Marks and scrapes can show up more on wood, but if you’re aiming for a distressed style in your kitchen then real wood can be a fine choice.

Today you can also buy stainless steel worktops, and these will certainly bring a sparkle to any home. Fingerprints and smudges can become annoying though, and it can require a lot of wiping and buffing to maintain that sparkly style. There is a wide range of materials out there that make for great work surfaces, and it can be an important element of your kitchen’s design, so make sure you consider your work surfaces carefully.