Surfaces AND SINKS

When choosing finishes, think carefully about your daily needs. For a pristine finish, materials such as quartz composite are scratchproof and easy to clean. Wood and stone, which will weather, suit those who love a lived-in look. Industrial stainless steel is a chic contrast to a rustic interior, while ceramic tiles and sinks are durable and low maintenance.

1-2 CELEBRATE THE CLASSICS with timeless accessories. This antique brass-effect Torc tap (1) by Cooke & Lewis, £42, B&Q, harks back to kitchens past; Perrin & Rowe’s Shaker 800 fireclay sink (2), £574, is made in the UK using traditional methods and resists heat, breakage and stains

3 GO FOR MATERIAL CONTRASTS These industrial-style stainless-steel units, like the ones used in professional kitchens, are built to last and make a stylish foil for old brick walls in a Kent farmhouse. Try catering suppliers such as Adexa and Nisbets 4-7 ADD PATTERN AND TEXTURE to kitchen units by going for a bolder look on floors and splashbacks. Country Farmhouse black slate floor tiles (4), from £17.95/sq m, Walls and Floors; Belvoir oak parquet flooring (5), similar £47.94/sq m, Ted Todd; marble-effect worktop (6) from the Country Living Whitstable kitchen at Homebase, from £1,542; Lattice Cornflower Blue vinyl floor tile (7) by Dee Hardwicke, £49.99/sq m, Harvey Maria 8 BE CREATIVE WITH WOOD Raw plywood and timber textures give this kitchen a lived-in feel that improves with time and use. Find similar doors and splashbacks at reclamation yards such as Retrouvius. Oil, wax or varnish to keep in top condition 9 CREATE A TIMELESS LOOK with white brick wall tiles and grey marble worktops. Try Victorian Plumbing’s Metro flat wall tiles in gloss white, £44/sq m