Go with your gut Tracy..... it is a big investment but I have found that if it makes you smile every time you walk into your kitchen you'll never regret it!!!! I've recently moved into a smaller downsized home with my 3rd black kitchen, with drawers, no cupboards, except for the pantry which we use as the crockery and wine glasses stash. Mine is matt but no handles = no hip bangers! I chose to use snow white stone bench tops, the walls are painted natural white while the floors are pale oak hybrid vinyl.

I agree with all the comments about back rests and white stools getting dirty easily. My friend was devastated when her guest sat on her brand new white chair with jeans and the indigo dye from her jeans stained the chair forever. I’d also be wary that the white you choose for your stool blends with the white of your kitchen. From memory, your kitchen and bench tops are a warm white. The stark white of those stools could be jarring to the eye. Just saying....

So, what color did you eventually choose? I am really interested because the house we have just bought has similar color ceilings. I was also wondering about the color of the light fittings. I think that I will get some color changing LED light bulbs and have them installed all around the house. I like them more because you can both use them as a regular bulb or change the color to any you would like. It is also possible to control them using an app on my phone, making it so easy to control them. Now I think that it would be the most reasonable decision if I installed white bulb fittings so they look good with all the colors the bulb can make.

Hi Barbara, Pendant style fittings over the entry bench of a kitchen a great because they help define the work space. Height also plays a factor. These fittings are not positioned correctly. Ideally, pendants should be placed 2/3 from the work side of the bench, but these look to be placed with the edge of the entry side. This would not provide the correct arch of light, which is why I'm guessing you've posted this. In contrast, downlights blend with a ceiling, with an aim to be lost in a flashing view. They are also placed more centrally to provide a wider arch of light. With the trending LED style, downlight may be to harsh for this application. To solve your problem here, i would stay with a pendant style, but relocate them to the correct position and height. As for the timber, I'd suggest removing and replace with plaster board and repaint. I hope this helps. Excel Tradeworks is licenced in both building and electrical. For a more detailed discussion, feel free to contact us on sales@exceltradeworks.com.au