Thanks everyone for your comments and advice. Wuff, the handles were in the kitchen when we bought it. They have the exact handles in 'Early Settler'. We are changing the timber bench because we think it looks country and we want a change. The timber is very strong and durable. Very good quality but we simply don't like the colour. I was looking for someone to stain it darker and I would have kept it but can't find anyone. No water marks or had any issues with it. I we thought we would have to be careful with timber but it is honestly a good product. I would definitely recommend timber benches for anyone wanting that look :) good luck

I do like the lines created by the benchtop, the low splashback and the upper shelf. But the overall look is just a little too clinical, due to the high contrast between black and white. The stainless steel accentuates that too. Your timber shelf is on point though. All in all, nothing that some good styling can't fix :) I would start by removing the items you currently have on your shelf, as they don't seem to belong to this new kitchen. As many commenter pointed out, I would also replace the powerpoint sockets with black ones. Finally, I would add "texture" to the space: a large rectangular cheese board made of timber and marble (not round, not rustic), a trailing plant, such as a pothos, some sleek ceramics of different sizes (vessels, jugs, mugs, etc). Adding bright colours will only enhance the sense of contrast, and will not soften up the room or the black, so I would stick to neutrals or very light colours: nude, taupe, light terracotta, sage green, etc. Black could also be added onto those shelves, but by small touches only: a couple of matt black mugs maybe, or a smallish B&W photo, in a larger timber frame, with a large white mat around it, to give it breathing space. I would not add any more stainless steel or chrome finish, as cold metallic shades will only enhance the sense of, well, coldness. Brass or copper could added, but again, by small amounts. For some inspiration, look up some minimalist, Scandinavian kitchens with open shelving. Actually, your shelf doesn't have to be for kitchenware only. You can display all sorts of things (that won't be damaged by cooking grease, or that can be easily cleaned), so don't limit your search to pictures of kitchens! Another way to upgrade your kitchen would be to add washable wallpaper on the section of wall between splashback and shelf. Depending on the style of your home, and depending on what you like, you could be adding: - an industrial touch (with a recycled bricks look, [like this one[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/aaron-and-megan-marrickville-contemporary-kitchen-sydney-phvw-vp~46088368) or [this one[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/glen-iris-residence-contemporary-dining-room-melbourne-phvw-vp~15444377) or even [that one[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/kitchen-transitional-kitchen-london-phvw-vp~22949355) - a graphic [grey and white pattern[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/camp-hill-kitchen-feature-wallpaper-splashback-contemporary-kitchen-brisbane-phvw-vp~59346323) - or, why not, some beautiful foliage Good luck, have fun, and please, show us your progress!

I agree with Paul. In this case I probably would have used the white tile you have used on the other two walls for the far wall as well. Because this is a smaller sized bathroom, the back wall now seems closer, whereas if you kept up with the white it would have made the room feel bigger. You've done well with the placement of fixtures though, it's always a tough job when a bathroom doesn't give you much space. - Jenna

Hi johnstoneanne , using Copper as a splashback gives you a couple of things to consider where what material you choose may also depend on the actual look you are after and considerations such as its maintenance, it being fit for your purpose plus that of your budget and to meet the regulations for this if you have a gas cooktop. There are a few ways you can go to achieve a copper splashback; starting with use of actual sheet copper laid onto a support substrate. This is a soft material that can scratch easily and will also oxidize and so you may like to consider applying a clear two-pack coating over this metal during fabrication. Another option would be to use a Laminate material that has an actual thin Copper face layer which also comes with a clear protective coating. You have already mentioned using a Copper tile as an option; where this will also have grout lines. Another option you may consider could be to use an easy to clean glass splashback and use a metallic copper finish backing or if you want an aged copper look, then you could alternatively use a copper photographic image that is printed onto the back of the glass splashback. A glass splashback would be easy to clean, scratch, heat and water resistant. There is also the possible option of using large sheet Porcelain splashback in a rusty copper colour if you are after a more matte finish; using something like perhaps Neolith’s Iron Copper or perhaps their Coreten, where these are heat & flame proof, water and scratch resistant and easy to clean & again eliminates Grout lines being a large format sheet. I hope this is of some help, regards Malcolm.