We are doing a new kitchen with antique white shaker cupboards & drawers and I'm thinking a painted, pressed metal splashback behind a free standing 90cm heritage style electric cooker and the subway tiles elsewhere. We are doing an oiled natural shaped huon pine slab for the main benchtop.

Bunnings also has some great laminated wooden benchtops in different colours (real wood) that would look great with your new kitchen and would add warmth and would be very cost effective to boot. I dislike laminate. What size is your Island

The pole isnt structural , but is just sitting on the granite bench with a small indent cut out (I asked for that not to be done but you know how it goes) Like your suggestions. What would you suggest for colour difference, or not, of the walls vs cabinetry? The teal accents on walls are an experiment...But now I am getting a sand/white cloth chaise in adjoining lounge area....I am up for anything that is stunning! (except cant change granite top :()

Before choosing any surface, do the finger test, unless you are house clean slave. The finger test is see what marks show with a slightly greasy(hand lotion) fingers. Most blacks show finger marks big time. Same with counter tops. Best test is scatter with bread crumbs, if that disturbs you forget it, otherwise you will be kitchen cleaning all day. The same goes for concealed handles, they quickly get full of crusted much and chip easy. A working kitchen needs to be practical, easy to clean and totally family proof.