It sounds good to me. I would just double check that 3m of space will be enough to plant the trees you want and still provide a passageway by that side of the house. I like the way that "wood" was incorporated in the picture you originally posted (i.e. under the bench). Or you could do the whole island in timber, like this: [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/kitchen-contemporary-kitchen-minneapolis-phvw-vp~85701[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/kitchen-contemporary-kitchen-minneapolis-phvw-vp~85701) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/kitchen-contemporary-kitchen-minneapolis-phvw-vp~85704[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/kitchen-contemporary-kitchen-minneapolis-phvw-vp~85704) A timber bench for the island only, like this: [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/pavilion-house-contemporary-kitchen-sydney-phvw-vp~11003779[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/pavilion-house-contemporary-kitchen-sydney-phvw-vp~11003779) Add a timber light over the bench, like this: [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/northcote-house-contemporary-kitchen-melbourne-phvw-vp~11773106[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/northcote-house-contemporary-kitchen-melbourne-phvw-vp~11773106) Or add some timber shelving at one end of the island bench, like this: [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/kalymna-grove-modern-kitchen-melbourne-phvw-vp~4501573[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/kalymna-grove-modern-kitchen-melbourne-phvw-vp~4501573)

Susan, we installed our wonderful new kitchen just over a year ago and still we find the tiled wall/splashback the best feature. The kitchen colour is charcoal and depending on the light of the time of day it looks dark grey or blue.....so our choice of splashback had to be rather neutral. we decided on a clear glass subway tile and the most wonderful part of this is that the natural glass colour (faint green tinge) comes out and this is most complimentaryto the cabinetry colour.....

Hi everyone, I've finally gotten around to creating a "Before and After" post which includes my kitchen and the remainder of the house. Pop on over if you'd like a look! We are very happy with the finished project. Thanks, Louise

For something bright and colourful a blue accent would look stunning. Otherwise stick to neutral, warm tones such as cream or beige, perhaps in a hexagonal tiles as Monika suggested above or a warm marble. Have you considered an aluminium splashback? Easier to clean than tiles and glass, and you can get any design including the look of tiles, an artwork or favourite photo. Here are some of our suggestions! http://www.decorativeimaging.com.au/building-products/decosplash/