your problem was matching the wood. I'd go the opposite have metal bar stools something completely different altogether that way you don't place such an emphasis on the difference in wood of island and table.

I would have to agree with Vy, bring in more white, that way the bench will look less out of place.

Agree matching the wood was mission impossible! Although I was thinking black instead of white, to tie in with the bench top as there's already lots of white...? Thanks heaps for your ideas!

It's not black or white . It's your timber choices. The timbers are too strong in the photo they look mismatched.

To add to that you've bought stools that adds another type of timber to the mix.

If you want black personally I would get rid of your dining set and stools

Cheaper alternative than a new island bench

Don't panic. It's nearly there. My suggestion is white stools when money permits and most importantly I think some overhead cupboards in Cuban wood either side of the range hood.

As you can see black does work too. You don't have the different types of timbers to clash .

Thanks heaps everyone! I think getting rid of the dining table and chairs is a must, as well as painting some of the wall black. And probably replacing the bar stools! Thanks again, much appreciated!

I'm with big reader too its the dining table and chairs out of place ,because of the light wood i don't even think you need to paint or replace the stools

Not really adding anything new here, but I would consider painting the recess behind the fridge dark, and pendant lights over the island, but not not necessarily dark pendants, something lighter to tie with the rest of the room, brighten it up a bit and define it more as its own space.

A large fruit bowl (white?), plant, vase etc on the benchtop will make a huge difference on its own as someone suggested. I would play with that a little first to see what difference it makes before making big changes.

Lighter stools could also make a big difference. Put a bit of fabric/clothing etc you have around over the seat pads and see how it would look with new colours to lighten them up too.

Your room seems really close to being fabulous.

Thank you Melissa! Much appreciated, and definitely a good idea starting with small changes first. I think once I've incorporated black at least in one way (e.g. the back wall) then I'll be happy to bring lighter things in but feel the black bench tops are currently so lonesome :(

Yes I was thinking about possibly doing more with the island laminate...! It actually ties in well with the floor laminate in the theatre which you can't see in the picture but is probably too far away to do enough good...