I think lighting is important in your kitchen especially task lighting. I like the idea of a subway tile - not a sleek modern one but either a glass version perhaps with subtle colour - blue/ grey or green [ depending on the other colours in your room] or stick to the white but have a vintage finish. You could use this colour as an accent - I like the idea of some turquoise accessories. The grout could be a feature - if you do go for the black bench top you could introduce a darker grout. { although I am not a fan of dark bench tops as they never look clean.] Marble is lovely also if you can afford it - not sure of how well it wears with grease etc - probably ok if polished. There are plenty of pictures to inspire you in the kitchen tab on the site. Here is one example. https://www.houzz.co.nz/photos/calliope-rd-phvw-vp~7303261

Hi Lorza101, You're kitchen looks lovely! The white cabinets will really brighten the space and when combined with an oak floor, will not be stark. Timber is always a good way to add warmth - though this can be done using large chopping boards (particularly round ones leaning against the splash back) and other accessories. I'm only reluctant with timber bench tops around sink areas. If you go with a dark stone top, try to tie it in with your splash back, possibly through tiles. If you like patterned tiles, this is an opportunity, though avoid encaustic tiles, as these are too porous for a kitchen splash back. Is your overhang 400mm on the long side for seating? If it is 40mm, I would think a 20mm stone top will be fine, though at 400mm I would take the advice of the stone guys and go with a 30mm top, particularly as it won't be supported with waterfall ends. Good luck with the rest of your renovation. Cathy

You could paint the doors white to make them feel more contemporary. They would be solid timber so would be good quality. The varnish on the wood tends to yellow over time. So if you wanted to keep the wood - you could strip back and revarnish in natural colour or even go darker, such as chocolate for a more dramatic effect. I would recommend repalcing the tiles with a subway tile which is really popular at the moment. Then choose a stone to suit. Here is a great grey subway we have used although here are some examples of the subway tiles we have been using. A lovely mottled grey in the bathroom and white for the kitchen looks great. So dark timber stained cupboards with a white tile or grey and then a white Caesarstone with a fleck through it or even the new look grey marble effect ones would look great. Good luck.

I do like the lines created by the benchtop, the low splashback and the upper shelf. But the overall look is just a little too clinical, due to the high contrast between black and white. The stainless steel accentuates that too. Your timber shelf is on point though. All in all, nothing that some good styling can't fix :) I would start by removing the items you currently have on your shelf, as they don't seem to belong to this new kitchen. As many commenter pointed out, I would also replace the powerpoint sockets with black ones. Finally, I would add "texture" to the space: a large rectangular cheese board made of timber and marble (not round, not rustic), a trailing plant, such as a pothos, some sleek ceramics of different sizes (vessels, jugs, mugs, etc). Adding bright colours will only enhance the sense of contrast, and will not soften up the room or the black, so I would stick to neutrals or very light colours: nude, taupe, light terracotta, sage green, etc. Black could also be added onto those shelves, but by small touches only: a couple of matt black mugs maybe, or a smallish B&W photo, in a larger timber frame, with a large white mat around it, to give it breathing space. I would not add any more stainless steel or chrome finish, as cold metallic shades will only enhance the sense of, well, coldness. Brass or copper could added, but again, by small amounts. For some inspiration, look up some minimalist, Scandinavian kitchens with open shelving. Actually, your shelf doesn't have to be for kitchenware only. You can display all sorts of things (that won't be damaged by cooking grease, or that can be easily cleaned), so don't limit your search to pictures of kitchens! Another way to upgrade your kitchen would be to add washable wallpaper on the section of wall between splashback and shelf. Depending on the style of your home, and depending on what you like, you could be adding: - an industrial touch (with a recycled bricks look, [like this one[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/aaron-and-megan-marrickville-contemporary-kitchen-sydney-phvw-vp~46088368) or [this one[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/glen-iris-residence-contemporary-dining-room-melbourne-phvw-vp~15444377) or even [that one[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/kitchen-transitional-kitchen-london-phvw-vp~22949355) - a graphic [grey and white pattern[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/camp-hill-kitchen-feature-wallpaper-splashback-contemporary-kitchen-brisbane-phvw-vp~59346323) - or, why not, some beautiful foliage Good luck, have fun, and please, show us your progress!