I just had another look at you kitchen plan and had a couple of thoughts. Have you considered that the pendants won't give you enough light when cooking and working at the sink bench? Plan some recessed lighting underneath your cupboards, they're not visible but make a world of difference. Where are you putting your kettle and kitchen gadgets that stay out all the time, there doesn't appear to be a space for them? I'd move the sink more to one end of the bench rather than in the centre to create more bench space. It will mean you move the drawers next to the dishwasher and the cupboard towards the end where the sink will be. I'd also think about the sink you choose. Get a large bowl that will take your biggest dishes/roasting pans that won't fit in the dishwasher with a smaller strainer type alongside. Don't go for a round one they're impractical. Get more power points than you think you'll need and don't forget to get some put under the island bench, I think you'll be needing them. What an exciting time, have fun!

It must depend what you cook. I don't do fried, spitty type dishes and the grout around the largish tiles in my now 10 year old kitchen is as good as new. I rubbed car wax into the freshly laid grout lines, same as I did in the bathroom. It also depends on how much light bounces around your kitchen, glass being so reflective shows up smears with light on it. Just above the kettle in the first photo is a good example. Each to their own, I'm a non-glass girl whenever I can get away with it.

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.

The benchtop in the kitchen is the hero piece. Go neutral so you don't draw attention away from the benchtop into the butlers pantry. The splashback is usually well hidden in a butlers pantry by things on the benchtop. You have enough happening already without adding yet another feature. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls