I agree in that you have a lovely kitchen already. The overhead cupboard will bring a massive amount of storage (which I'm sure you can't wait for) can I ask will the overhead cupboard go above the fridge space as well? (I can see there is walling on either side of the fridge but not sure if this is something to stay and be integrated?) I'd like to see the overhead cupboard span from above the fridge to the right corner, and then a corner cupboard to the right butting up to the left hand side of the window, then actually leave the right side of window untouched (to avoid that boxed in feeling you mentioned) I think white as per the room walls is a wise choice, anything to bounce that light around I say. I also love the dark cladding on the walls, I think an island with this matching cladding would look hot, and tie in an existing scheme to that side of the room - could become quite the feature. That with a matching benchtop as you have now or a white stone or marble look benchtop that has a thick black marbling through it. Could look pretty saucy! I'd also match the hardware on your existing cupboards to the hardware on your kitchen island for consistency. I love the idea of pressed tin panel in pearlised white as a splashback, but if the room is small and this is the only window have you considered a mirror splashback that would help bounce more room around - therefore create an illusion of space and airiness?

I like the black ceaserstone with everything else white. I think avoiding a stripey effect is the key to being two tone and having the right midtone in the room to tie it together, grey can work well, or a warm neutral that will echo the tones of the natural wood of the floor. You can try painting the wall above the tile a darker colour to tie in the dark of the bench. There may not be much wall left above the splashback and around the overheads but it will still pull the space together. I like the idea of everything white except the bench top. Grey overheads will make the room seem smaller, definately white on top! Wooden blinds would look good with the floor too. If you want to go all white try and put some variation of texture or paint the wall a darker shade, even beige or cream or grey, grey/blue. It will break up the white feel. white on white works well IF you have variation in texture and really good quality finishes. Otherwise it can look soulless, boring and like a rental.

Hello bellenell69, Really like the look of those top cabinets in your first image.. and the colour!.. Not the tiles so much.. Bert and May do some fabulous tiles that would work, but you have chosen metal splash back.... If the cabinets are all hanging in a row together it won't look like a patchwork as they will all be the same colour.. I like that you tried it with cardboard boxes! Very ingenious! Consider the same idea for bottom cabinets without handles... At ikea there are hinges for a touch open mechanism.. It does make for a very stylish streamline option.. A chrome style fridge would be nice with the oven.. : ) )

Thanks for the comments. I don't mind making the cupboards higher but I am unsure what would look good. Should they be 1m, 1.2m? That will result in a smaller bulk head but the cupboards may look disproportionate compared to the base cupboards under the bench top. I have been looking for photos where the overhead cupboards are very tall but haven't found any.