Lots of ideas here https://www.google.com.au/search?q=How+to+build+a+marble+table+from+an+offcut&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari

Something like this would look amazing! I'd like to do something similar for my island bench with draws on the kitchen side.

My husband loves the ceiling only suggestions and also keeping the timber below the dado. I'm not as attached to all the wood and after a total revamp .... I had thought white ceilings and lime washing walls, but realised I'm after a brighter interior. I will have a look at different painted wall panelling. Definitely don't want to go from a wood overload to a white overload! MB you are so right choosing a white is the hardest part! I'll be in touch Milray Park. Thanks for the input and advice everyone!!

We finished our antique island bench, which was originally the haberdashery counter from David Jones in Newcastle, with a burnishing oil. The surface proudly bears the markers of it's history as the timber was too soft and thin to strip back any further than we have, but the burnishing process has protected it from every day wear and tear including water spills and the rough and tumble that our four boys dish out to every piece of furniture in the house, it also gives it a beautiful shine. We have finished our dining room table the same way. Kitchen dresser and the sides of the island bench that don't get the same use are finished with beeswax.