Generally, I find it commonplace that approximately 10% of your properties value is a maximum figure to not over capitalize, however above and beyond that doesnt factor in personal choices, like upgrading to a specific stone or appliance to suit your needs or wants. These things I would weigh up depending on how long you plan to live with the kitchen, and if it will be a long term ownership or short term with potential to sell with profit. You can easily send off a benchtop plan to any benchtop fabricator or even a st e mason and ask them to quote, just include walls, and indicate exposed edges of the bench so they include a polish cost, and any cut outs indicating your ski or hotplate etc. Where possible, note your stone colour choice for accurate costing, and then ask your cabinet maker to quote Benchtops separately, this way you have disclosed the biggest cost and decide to get it where it works for you.

In fact, it's what you put with them . . . harsh lighting and white could make it all look cold and clinical. The idea of a lovely blackbutt bench - coupled with warm ambient light - should work well, I think.

Mine has a sink, dishwasher, and pull out wastebins. All good. What I should have done was insist on more cutlery drawers and some pot drawers instead of under bench cupboards. Not a fan of underbench microwaves so didnt ask for one.

If you like the coloured cupboards I would leave them, but I would paint the top cuboards in the blue of your lounge. Be daring. The timber floor will make a huge difference, but I would keep the appliances white as you need white to counteract all those colours. I wouldn't mess around with altering the colours you have now as that will change the whole effect. Try painting a piece of art paper in the colour for the top cupboards and stick it on to see if you like it. Changing the benchtops to Caesarstone or something like that is a good idea and leave the timber island until it needs changing. If you are planning to replace the stove, I think you will have space to get your microwave off the bench. Good luck and don't forget to show us the finished product.