FABULOUS FINISHES

As the bench is often the centrepiece of the kitchen, opt for striking sculptural lines and a stunning finish that commands attention. “In the past, waterfall ends and thick tops were popular,” says Stuart Dougall of Melbourne Contemporary Kitchens.

“Now, the trend is panelled, mitred ends and ultra-thin profiles.” Benchtops are also moving away from reconstituted stone into ultra-compact materials, such as Dekton, which offer a slender 8mm contour. “I love the matt finish of honed stone, which is elegant and timeless, and can be offset with the warmth of timber,” says Marylou Sobel of Marylou Sobel Interior Design.