agree with bj605, how disappointing for you when so much money and emotion is invested in a new kitchen.. what about some earthy accents like timber stools and wall shelves with some decorative cookware and herbs in pots and do you have a bright artwork to inspire you with some accent colours for a few new mugs etc...you'll be pleasantly surprised when it's all finished, it looks great already

Once you have some barstools there and some of your own homely bits and pieces, it will look great. Get a splashback in a warm colour too.

We have an all white kitchen and our splashback and paintwork are a 'greige' (mixture between beige and grey - basically a very warm grey) and it certainly doesn't look clinical.

I agree with everyone else - when you see a home in the process of being built, everything looks out of whack. It will all come together in the end and I bet you'll come to LOVE that wide bench, it's so practical! You'll be able to cook with plenty of space left for someone to eat there or kids to do their homework .... it looks like it's going to become a homely, sociable family space. If it still bothers you when it's finished, I would treat it like a table top and put an oversized fruit bowl, or big high vase or candelabra or some other cool thing right in the center to break up the expanse and use some really big, solid, comfortable high chairs there (rather than spindly bar stools).

you could always get a beautiful piece of timber as wide as a table runner and pop it across your bench top..

Go bold on your splash backs. Avoid safe options which will be bland and common. We had great advice and took a risk on tiles from Southern Cross. Photo below:

Put some contrasting overheads in a woodgrain laminate and a funky splashback and stools and you are done.

I bought the Splash back tiles before the stone was fitted. They are similar to what robandlyn was describing they are a natural stone with texture it is a mixture between grey and beige and looks a little grainy.They are quite small subway style tiles.

Thanks so much for everyone's suggestions. I will certainly get some nice bar stools which have a bit more presence and I hoping to install some nice shelving next to where the range hood will be. I think everyone is right once it is all in place I am sure it will all come together. I will be sure to post some photos once it is finished! Thanks again for all of your suggestions. x

If you can get bar stools with fabric seat and back in a colour or pattern that will immediately make a difference and with some pottery or a plant on the counter it will be wonderful. Toaster and kettle on the counter etc. We have a very similar layout and sometimes the counter is not big enough! Enjoy

Haidi your looking at an incomplete space, when the benchtop is crowded with implements while cooking your going to be so happy with it. But having said that everyone is right in saying a color pop would benefit the space. A set of Cabinetry is a problematic thing to change if your mood changes, but some simple lighting pendants add a dramatic and easy fix to the ceiling, and because of a small foot print could be changed over cheaply in time, something in a stainless steel finish if it matches your hardware, or black for a statement, even adding a length of colored LED strip under the bench overhang would do,all of these are cost effective and easy to install, depending on what you go for, draw your eye away from what you dont like, my kitchen has 2 French hand blown Blue pendants set at 1 end and at different heights,

Your splashback needs to make a statement. If you are brave, I love this pic of a kitchen I think is fantastic. You could add timber and black and white patterned accent pieces, in linen, boards, canisters etc - good luck

I love it - the same as my new apartment just built, except I have a mirrored panel under the overhang of the island bar. Some timber stools, a beautiful plant and all your bits and pieces, maybe even a brightly coloured painting of food or similar, and it will be beautiful

plants will always soften an area and adding some personal items on the bench etc will draw the eye to the items and the back ground will blend into the back ground. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Mine is the same, all white. I have added open shelves with baskets and wooden chopping boards, herbs and hanging pots/pans to add more warmth and a homely feel. Also cookbooks on display, along with utensils in tins, flowers, all add to the homely feel. All on a next to nothing budget. Good luck.

Paint your ceiling a colour to give the room some character.

That is a dream bench top. exactly what I had and what I would do again. Once your kitchen is finished it is going to look great. Your original vision and gut feeling for what you wanted was right. You just need to see the bigger picture when it's in the middle of the build. The overhand is perfect. Too small and there would be nowhere to put your knees. Cant wait to see the finished room. Also dont fret. Once decorated with pots pans, coffee machine etc.. you'll be in total love with it.

Introduce some colour and warmth with a vibrant splashback. Some ideas for designs and images: http://www.decorativeimaging.com.au/building-products/decosplash/decosplash-colour-range/

I too have an all white kitchen with glass splashback and I love it. Your kitchen just needs a wow factor splashback. Here is mine - Dulux Cool Waters.