I think your benchtop material choice really depends on how both you and your husband live and what level of natural wear you are comfortable with showing. Natural wood benchtops to me are very similar to natural stone or stainless steel. The surfaces will naturally age and show use, scratches and imperfections much more than say a caesarstone if it's a high use area but some people love that look and it goes well with an industrial or natural style. My wife and I thought long and hard about it but realised we want the benchtop to look as new and clean each time as possible so opted back for caeserstone (Ocean Foam) which hid small stains and dust :)

there is limited backsplash... one side of the gallery is a bank cupboards.. the side with counter top is open to family room or windows to outside deck and small return which is wall...I am thinking of keep that with white tiles ... also replacing sink with white glass double ...and new chrome fitting for taps and water filter...

Hi Sian If it wasnt for the foot rail, I'd thought the stool was a side table and looks uncomfortable to sit on, but try Gumtree - you may find pre loved Vincents for a song. I'll save you some legwork, or fingerwork :) check these out. http://www.mattblatt.com.au/Barstools.aspx?s73#p=2&ipp=28&f=v73-pv71-nBarstools-t71-c0&o=Default https://www.justbarstools.com.au/ https://interiorsonline.com.au/collections/all/category-bar-stools I love the choices in the last one.

I have had all types of counter tops but now would like to try Concrete to go with my polished Concrete floors. The You tubes available look good promising but it is a bit like making a cake it never turns out the way the photos suggest. This is a new house build and none of the concrete fellows I have spoken to have ever done it. I would love to hear from someone that has given it a go.