Hello, try these eraser sponges-they are amazing for keeping these colour sinks looking great. Simply use with warm water/dishwasher liquid. http://www.heritagehardware.co.nz/itemdetails/Ecogranit-Cleaning-Sponge/2113.aspx also you can download some tips for maintaining these sinks http://www.heritagehardware.co.nz/downloads.aspx Hope this helps

You are so right white is never out of fashion. I would set your budget and then look at your options. If you plan to stay in the house for many years then spend to the top of your budget (if that is going to give you a life time of pleasure), if you plan on being at the home for only a short time / few years then I would go mid range so it looks lovely, will have good resale value but you can invest your well earned money to go towards something else as well. Obviously Marble / Granite is the top of the range but there are so many cheaper and very attractive options these days that look just as good.

Here's a couple of ideas that work really well as alternatives to a walk in pantry. They integrate into your wall cabinetry, allowing you to keep central spaces open and free flowing. Using drawers to create a pantry as Esselai suggests. Check out how Harn Triomax soft close drawers are used in just this way. Availble in classic white or metallic grey. Two front to back depth options - 500mm and 5500mm. And 8 drawer width options from 450mm to 1200mm. Alternatively, there are a number of quality pull out pantry options in the German designed and made Vauth-Sagel range. Some are installed with fixed fronts to match your cabinetry, and others are installed behind hinged doors. See below (from top to bottom) the VSA model, DUSA model and HSA model. These all come in a variety of width options and specs, from chromed wire shelves to sold bases with glass panelling.

A professional couple in beachside St. Heliers wanted to breathe some new life into a kitchen that was not just dated; its tired layout was preventing the leveraging of their gasp-worthy stunning views. They love entertaining so one of the cornerstones of the project was carving out an area around the island that would beckon people to linger, chat and nibble while looking out over Rangitoto. Before: After: The first step in this full redesign required the removal of walls to open up the space which meant the installation of a new support beam that was later skillfully integrated into the subtle white paint in order to not interrupt the clean lines. A palette of oak, greens and gray was selected as a nod to the couple’s personal style that was weaved into other rooms to give a consistency in colour scheme throughout the property. For the kitchen, tiles and carpet were done away with and soft hued timber flooring was laid that will promise durability over time. An island with oak lines to integrate with the flooring and a white stone benchtop was selected to compliment the walls and ceiling for a bright and airy feel. Sliding doors were installed to bring the outside in and invite ocean breezes indoors during warmer months. Olive coloured subway tiles along the backsplash blend beautifully with the pendant lights in the same tone. The wine fridge and a large refrigerator will mean ease of entertaining to hold plenty of goodies for guests. Before: After: In the lounge, existing awkward angles presented a design challenge so it was decided that a reconfiguration was necessary. A custom cupboard answered the need for non-existent storage along with a walk-in wardrobe. A sleek oak bookcase and timber floors connected the room to the kitchen and allowed for elegant storage and display of personal items. The hearth has tiles in soft grey hues of concrete that connect to the kitchen. They are taken up the wall inconsistently to add visual variation. The custom ordered large oak dining room ties the spaces together and seats 8 -10 people making large dinner parties a possibility. The previous peach bathroom was a serious nod to the 1980’s. A single glass paned shower brings convenience without blocking light and the gun metal sink will allow for lots of wear and tear. A large white bath with gun metal fixtures was added and the oak cabinet under the sink completes the look. In the powder room, olive coloured patterned tiles lined the bottom half of the walls and an oak shelf and floors again kept the look and feel cohesive throughout. Before: After: Check out the entire project here!