Do you prefer the dark speck to a lighter mix?

i would fill in the space above the dishwasher with cabinets, to balance the look. i would even consider swapping out that rangehood for a slide out built in one, and make that entire wall cabinetry around the window. As you would lose all your top cupboards if you remove the wall in between, you will most likely need additional storage. also, i think that building it all in, will actually streamline the look, as the rangehood does look a bit squashed in between the fridge and the window. i like isellev's idea of taking out the wall, but bookending with storage pillars. Very functional, and would look great i believe. you could even plan them so they can have some storage on both sides, so then they look nice from the living side, as well as being functional. good luck.

I've had glass. Won't be having it again. I found it hard to clean from the perspective of the streaking. I can't imagine what mirror would be like. I'll be going back to tile but with a dark grout. I will also seal the grout. Having done this before in new bathrooms, it works a treat to reduce the 'grab-iness' of grout. I'm using tile to also add texture if that makes sense. If you look at Frosty Carrina close up it has that classic caesarstone 'grit'. If you don't mind that, it would be ok. But it's a dead give away that it isn't natural stone IMO.

Thanks Fiona. I just wish people would realise you don't need to spend much to make things look good. Everything in my house is either a Garage sale or Vinnies find. I then do it up. I have done so all my life, as I grew up in a poor family with 8 siblings. I must say it erks my hubby but he's gotten use to it. People do walk in my home and always give me great feedbacks and compliments. I have just finished this room below. All this is in SAME room. I just want to show how you can make things look good without expense. The Chaise lounge cost me $80! I did have to add more foam which I collected from someone throwing couch on side if the rd, to the seating & fix the leg. The Floor rug $70 from the Reject shop. The Dresser I painted white was $350. It looks amazing. The wall behind this dresser, I painted with Dulux Pearl STRIPES, it's a suttle feature, but looks amazing. The chandelier $25, I sprayed it Latte and stuck candles on it as I have led lights in ceiling. The long book cupboard was stained brown & again I painted and the chairs on either side cost $25ea and I had the cushions recovered for $40ea. My favourite is the Leather Chair. I did have it covered prof., That did cost a penny, but it was worth it. Believe me I hate spending large amounts, when you can get a better solid piece than the crap that's around. You can see in the background my Dining setting with 8 chairs. That was $350. I just sanded the top of the table and clear varnished it! I can go on & on. As I have so many things I have brought to life. But just want to make it clear to all out there, that you can achieve your décor without spending heaps. Oh I must add, my Brown Italian Leather sofa ABOVE I purchased from ebay including a lge poof, again $350.The white coffee table above was also Brown stained. I purchased for $40. I striped it. Painted bottom white, then just left a clear stain on top as once I sanded it, I found the wood was so beautiful, that I couldn't paint it. The 2 single sofas above, were purchased from Vinnies for $65ea. I didn't have to do anything to them. This is not everyone's taste, but you can buy to suit your own décor. I would love to write a book on everything I have ever changed, just to prove it can be done. So people on a tight budget.......... You can achieve it. Hope this inspires a lot of you guys. cheers