"There are many beautiful hi-tech kitchens out there," says designer Helen Green, "but they can often be too stark for family or rural homes. I’d consider this kitchen, left, to be a more approachable example. The detailing is unfussy, with shiny granite work surfaces and a smooth limestone floor. A brushed-steel splashback adds to the futuristic feel. "It’s often what you can’t see in a kitchen that makes it hi-tech. In this particular case, the fridge-freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer are all concealed behind cupboard doors, while the appliances that you can see, such as the oven and hob, are top of the range and furnished with stainless steel."