Surfaces are at the very heart of any kitchen design but, as practicality competes with design, which work best?
Hammond describes solid wood worktops as “interesting”. “In the right kitchen or house, they can look great; however, we don’t tend to fit them anymore as they require annual maintenance, they stain quite easily and require sanding and oiling to keep them in their best condition. I would certainly advise not to fit them in a rental property.”
Typically, Beau Property specifies quartz, similar in appearance to natural stone, which comes in a range of colours: “It is better than granite and marble for resisting stains and also for putting hot pans on to.”
Beau’s buyers tend to prefer a natural stone look, says Hammond, and currently a light-coloured quartz with natural veining running throughout is proving popular.
“We used it at Nevill Row, a conversion of eight Victorian homes in central Tunbridge Wells, which sold out within two weeks.”
The spec is the same for its Hungershall Mews scheme of three converted homes, says Hammond: “It works equally well in classic conversions with restoration/heritage features as it does in town centre new builds with the right styling and attention to detail.”
