Xenia, just to be clear, is the builder saying there doesn't need to be a non-combustible material covering the gap between the stone benchtop and the window?? Is that wall made of brick or some other non-combustible material, or is merely plasterboard? If it's plain ole' plasterboard, it is most certainly combustible and can ignite in say, a fat fire. Maybe I'm missing something. Would you please look closely at your plans and clarify? I very much like your table/butcher's block. The one in photo looks like it's higher than a table, so I'm guessing it is at a perfect height for you to work? Yes, that's a lovely, restful colour of glass, and no, I don't think it is overkill. You want to be happy in your own kitchen. Just a thought, but you could choose material with that colour of blue for any chairs or stools you have at the butcher block table. Ties it together.

Hi Lesley. I haven't really looked for suggestions from Houzz as I wasn't certain if they'd be anything from Melbourne. I do have an idea where I'm leading towards. It's in my attached photos with the wooden table and cream chairs. It has a modern retro look and breaks up the red colour scheme I'll have in the house.

I was told to bend arms at the elbow then have forearms parallel to the floor with hands outstretched - that is a comfortable/ergonomic bench height for me. My sister did this and no sore back working in her kitchen:) The sink - arms stretched down and hands flat on base of sink = comfort. Chairs are made to suit the male proportions -higher- so generally to get comfortable women (as usually women are shorter from ankle to knee) - have to cross their legs so the hips can relax. (I have seriously thought of cutting just 2cm from our chair legs )

have you considered an oil finish instead of varnish? many years ago we've used linseed oil mixed terebine or turps that gave a great matt finish to old timber and lasts for ever but you would need to consult Google for proper mixing ratios