Big regret, every finger mark, speck of dust and a constant wipe down. In my brother’s former house, absolute nightmare and they hardly used the kitchen. Where one opened the glasses cupboard sheer disaster, if you had used hand cream hours before, it showed big time. Matt finishes always do, not matter what the hype says. Black will alway show up marks, no matter what you choose. The best way to choice, go to a home centre which has products on display. Take a kit of common spills and marks, eg red wine, oil, lemon juice, tea, coffee, turmeric etc, and see what disasters can happen and how easy to clean. A kid is always helpful with Vegemite

Or have handles, can be black for a very stylish look.

This is beautiful - is it the Black Birchply?

It’s stunning isn’t it, it’s Polytec, check their website.

A top range kitchen designer gave some sage advice, empty a toaster’s crumbs on the bench, if can’t really notice you are on to a winner, and smear a cupboard door with a flour paste or buttered toast, can you live with those marks? All important if it is a working cook’s kitchen, or a statement area for assembling food, eg serving up take-aways.