Your kitchen is very probably the heart of your house, a place where friends and family congregate to eat, chat, play, work or relax.

Such a versatile area needs to combine practicality, durability, style, comfort and hygiene, as well as being a sheer pleasure to look at.

Consider walls, windowsills and worktops in subtle shades to create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, or bold modern colour schemes that will complement, enliven and enhance your kitchen.

Imagine the floor in African slate, richly coloured, non-slip and requiring little maintenance except the attention of a damp mop from time to time.

Think about the same space in warm Spanish terracotta, cool Venetian marble or traditional flagstones; all of which could run through to the dining room, hall and cloak room giving you a durable surface that is warm, practical and luxurious.

Whatever your choice of colours, a tiled floor, wall or worktop is the ultimate in durability and practicality, it is easy to clean, heat and stain resistant and completely impervious to the worst excesses of children, animals, or last night's impromptu party.