I think getting general suggestions is great, since it might open up ideas about things you may not have considered. Just an observation, but this kitchen seems like a small but efficient kitchen that perhaps does not have to meet the needs of preparing large family meals, rather, it has the essentials and mod cons that meets your needs. I suggest installing a pull out drawer with both a USB and power outlet inside that (or beneath) and a tuck away stool, to use as a hot point to charge and use your tablets, phones etc. Quite a few modern kitchens allow for these hot points to pay bills, order groceries online and only need a drawer for pens, papers, chargers etc, ultimately they end up in a junk drawer or worse on your bench top cluttering up your precious little bench space. Being clever, you can look for a stool that is perhaps a foldout step ladder, to get to overhead cabinets, and make use of any vertical storage you have also. So I'd go with a hot point, aka workstation.

Ok, so we don't need engineered stone in our kitchen, as we have it there already, but we just had more of the same stone installed in our new powder room & ensuite to match the kitchen's earthy colour scheme. We do, however, need to choose a natural granite for our alfresco kitchen as engineered stones are not covered by manufactures' warranty in our situation. So, I stick with engineered and natural stones for the long term bench top of choice.

Hi all our terrazzo bench has been installed and in use for over 12 months. This bench was poured in Italy and then finished by a stonemason off-site type. When 1st installed I spilt some lemon juice which created a mark so we are careful not to use acidic items on the bench. I am not sure if this happened before or after we sealed it but I think it’s important to seal any natural stone product and we used the sellers recommended product called “slow drying sure seal” but I won’t vouch for its effectiveness as I can’t compare it to anything. Over all we love the look but I think you need to be a little more careful around natural products than engineered ones so it may depend on your lifestyle

Hi Gwen, If you're opting for off white and like the look of brass, I'd consider a colour similar to Caesarstone 6600 Nougat. Something with a warm undertone that has some added texture will enhance the space and won't clash with off white cabinetry. If your bench top is a stark white, then your cabinets may end up looking too yellow. Good luck!