How about adding a long dining table. It drops the height, remains a useful bench extension and provides for casual dining or a dining space for the children when you want adults at your proper dining table. Not sure of your family age group, but it can also make for an inclusive area for the kids to do their homework away from the cooking at one end, but close enough to supervise. I am a fan of multifunctional, because life changes. This option also means you can change your mind about bench space later. We added a steel framed table to the end of our benc, which has the same bench material popped in as a surface. We wanted this option for the future grandchildren, that have yet to make an appearance.

Hi Steph, we have Caesarstone Fresh Concrete which is a similar product with a matt (but not rough?) finish. We love it in our kitchen and it does show marks at a certain angle more readily than our previous polished stone finish. When we first had it installed, we used the recommended products supplied by Caesarstone, they worked somewhat but we found we had to scrub the whole bench with the cream cleanser, wipe with fresh water to remove residue then buff to remove all water rings etc. We also tried windex, spray n wipe and magic erasers- all ok but not fantastic. We finally asked our Enjo rep to come over to see what she could do and that worked a treat- all surfaces are wiped over with the cleaning cloth and then buffed dry with the other. I use the marble paste to get rid of the grey marks on the edges caused by metal on belts, probably once a fortnight. I know I sound like a salesperson but I honestly don't work for Enjo! I have just found that this has been the clear winner. Even with slightly the extra work, we love the feel and look of the Fresh Concrete so absolutely no regrets. Hope this helps.

Looks beautiful. The pendant lights provide some balance for the open shelving, which being open with no upright against window add to spaciousness of window. By contrast your design is boxing in the window

If these will be your task lighting for working on the bench, check to see that whichever you choose gives you enough light to work safely for food prep.