Which one is that, Astrid? 1, 2, 3 or 4? Petal & I both liked 2 and 4 but the extent of glass (and the necessary cleaning) in 4 put Petal off, while the mortuary feel of all that stainless steel put me off. 2 doesn't really excite us either but it's the best of a questionable lot. ;-)

I agree with the first comment. Check out the Maximum porcelain panels. Ice attached a photo I took of the slabs. Statuario is in the front and Calacutta is behind it. http://maximumaustralia.com/products/calacatta This is the Australian link to the product range and there are plenty of photos of it actually in use. In person the design looks less printed in my opinion than the Caesarstone, but everyone has different tastes and that should be respected.

Hi! Number one is to make a space that makes YOU happy and works for YOUR family. Second - having sink or stove on the island means it is front and centre all the time, if cleanliness is something that worries you, then perhaps this isnt the best option. Third - I have seen bench top materials that mean a stove top can be seamlessly integrated underneath, this would solve the presentation issue as it would look like regular part of the bench and be easier to clean than a regular stove top Fourth - What is the layout of your space? Is through the kitchen used as a walk way for little ones? I always recommend that the stove be where the least amount of foot traffic occurs, to the side and out of the way! Good luck

Actually....I have one more white paint question everyone if you don’t mind! We will be using terrazzo tiles in the bathroom (off white base with Carrara marble chips) and white textured subway tiles. I had planned to paint the remaining sections of wall white too but now I’m on this white paint odyssey I’m wondering if it’s going to work or if I’d be better to go with a contrasting colour instead. If I do paint with white, should I match it back with the wall tiles? The closest colour is lexicon which is obviously pretty cold/blue - the room has a large east facing skylight but I’m concerned about it feeling a bit sterile...appreciate your thoughts! Thanks again for your help.