I would clad it in horizontal wide timber flooring planks. Myself I'd go a grey, weathered timber like an oak, the engineered flooring can be bout in packs, so a single pack would create a feature inexpenssively. It will provide the oppotunity to introduce timber details in furnishings or kitchen accessories. Natural timber softens modern interiors, relaxes and adds character to traditional looks like provincial or hamptons styles. The wide plank will enhance the flow as a walk through, but still provide an intersting visual texture to the adjoining lounge area.

stone in kitchens is an easy surface to have in a high traffic zone - The Marble Man repair, polish and seal stone surfaces - when you make your final decision have a think about the wear and tear of the bench tops - give our office a call for our professional stone services 1300 627 626 | The Marble Man

I wouldn't go those dark laminate kitchen cupboards. I have the exact same and I absolutely loathe them now. I use to love the darker colours but now I wish I had just done them white, light gray or even the dark blue (although dark blue worries me a little too!). That dark laminate brown is such an absolute pain to keep clean. They show up every mark. I like your stone bench tops though but would look at other options to create the look you're hoping for with the joins and waterfall benches etc. Goodluck with it all!

They are the same as they are both engineered. From the builders perspective the smart stone comes in bigger slabs so it will save on costs to buy fewer slabs. He is trying to save you or himself money. Ceaserstone has a wider variety of colours, there customer care is top notch and they have more product. Like with any Bench top be it laminate, stone or marble, as soon as you drop something on it, clean it up.