Thanks for your responses everyone, it's reassuring to have you confirm that white is the right choice for our long awaited kitchen. I love Houzz and the opportunity it allows me to ask and receive. Thanks again. Ax

Hello guartris, Well I would take the inspiration from the picture you have posted.. Nicely done! I like the darker grout idea personally.. so grey would be my choice.. I love the different textures and feels with industrial lighting and oven with a period feel hood above the oven... One thing I would do.. Have all the cupboards with a touch/open mechanism.. They look so stylish without handles.. Nickel cup handles for drawers... : ))

anaewlo - did all this just over 12 months ago so know how valuable an extra pair or eyes and a clearer head can help. The "little" things are the ones so easily missed and the ones that make you ask "what was I thinking" or "how did I miss that". You could take the tiles up higher immediately behind the hotplates, the range hood would then tie it all together and you could even have some nice artwork each side of it. The only concern I have - are the 2 tiles in the second row centred over your hotplates? Fine if they are as you will have that high part nice and even. If not, I'd a have good think about it. Otherwise, assuming you will paint the walls in a semi gloss paint, the lower tiles will take the brunt of the oil and what goes on the walls will be pretty easy to wash off, it is just a matter of wiping it down after each cooking session. There are times to match things up and there are times to blend. With your downlights, keep to white (assuming you will paint your ceilings white). this way they tend to disappear into the ceiling

Thanks everyone for their comments! Update: husband has 'over-ruled' on this one. Forgot to mention that the vanity top will be Night Sky Ceaserstone (ie black). So he wants the dark grout. We will definitely be using mould inhibitor and ensuring everything is well sealed. It's all his fault if it looks horrible ;) Will post photos once fully complete. (I am now a little scared...)