Yes, I used Granite transformations, back in 2008. The home we purchased had a terracotta coloured laminate on kitchen benches. I had the kitchen transformed for around $4000. Even the realestate agent thought it was real caeserstone, when we sold our property in dec 2018, before looking and noticing the layer of engineered stone, that is placed over the original laminate bench. The thickness of stone layer over laminate is about 10mm. The area covered was about 5 metres of bench. I have attached the before and after. We did not change the cabinets, just took the hutch off the end of island.

Hi Lila The waste pipe can still work with the L shape but if you are concerned, switch the sink and BBQ locations. That way the BBQ fumes will be further from the house too. Access to the back yard is always a consideration but I wouldn't let it rule your overall design as there are always ways around it. I had a mini bobcat come through my house to dig the pool in the back yard when I lived in Brisbane!!! A sail maker or equestrian sewer could easily make a good cover for the bench unit and I've seen it work on several occasions, but I would save up for the pergola to the side of the house which without any issues with the neighbour, could go to within 1.1m of the boundary or just as I drew it. Good luck with the decision making and enjoy your alfresco lifestyle.

all the colours and textures seem to become fashionable again but what is the purpose of the tall cabinets next to the fridge??.. i suggest that when building for sale or rental it's better to have a standard colour scheme and kitchen arrangements and keep personal taste for our own homes

Don't look at fashion, but look at how you currently work in your kitchen. In all of the kitchen photos on Houzz there is never even a dirty coffee cup out of place. Think about your household - are they all trained to put dirty crockery straight in the dishwasher? Do you wash big saucepans and let them air-dry? Where does dirty crockery stack while the dishwasher is going through a cycle? Thinking about your households current kitchen tidiness may help you decide about the size and number of sinks and drainers, as well as if the island bench is the right place to display this clutter? Your new kitchen should last another twenty five years - don't spend it regretting that you should have spent a bit extra to move the plumbing! Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls