Oh excellent, thank you, it looks lovely! I have been to many of the suppliers but QQ is too far away for me with a screaming baby in the car and they won't mail me samples! Once I choose a stone mason I will view them in person because I hear even with Quartz each slab can be a little different. I was thinking maybe Lexicon quarter...warmed up a bit...but I'm not sure. Thanks for the warning, I do have time on my side so I might go get some sample pots and see what actually looks ok with our lighting.

Not really adding anything new here, but I would consider painting the recess behind the fridge dark, and pendant lights over the island, but not not necessarily dark pendants, something lighter to tie with the rest of the room, brighten it up a bit and define it more as its own space. A large fruit bowl (white?), plant, vase etc on the benchtop will make a huge difference on its own as someone suggested. I would play with that a little first to see what difference it makes before making big changes. Lighter stools could also make a big difference. Put a bit of fabric/clothing etc you have around over the seat pads and see how it would look with new colours to lighten them up too. Your room seems really close to being fabulous.

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.

You are kind to say that, Julie. Hubby also washed and polished the floorboards in the two rooms we decided to retain. They look much better as well. This has been fun project; don't quite know what I'll do with myself after it's completed! :) although, in saying that, there is the garden here to keep us occupied...!