What did you end up going with Leanda?

What are the benchtops going to be?

Bronze mirror splashback will look warmer then plain silver mirror and will tone in with your lovely timber floor. Still gives the light reflection but more upmarket styling. You can add little copper or bronze features like wire frame fruit bowl, pendant lights or ombre bowls.

A cheaper alternative to glass is the metaline range from Laminex, and maybe something to consider Laminex launched this product to compete with glass splash-backs. Your cabinetmaker can install it, and it can be cut on site as required to fit around power points etc. The range of colours are obviously limited compared to a paint finish but there are some lovely metallic's in the range - I'e added a photo of our sample folder to give you some ideas. In regards to the colour itself, you could stay with a neutral, but I would go for a splash of colour! as the rest of the kitchen is neutral, choose something that you just love, and will work with your planned decor, and go for it! I would think about putting something on the back of the island bench as well, timber is being used beautifully these days, so depending on your floor tiles it could add a lovely warm touch to your area.