Bluemeeru, yes sink is on left next to dishwasher, which is next to the fridge. I never wanted a sink on the island for the same reason. Water splashes and there will always be something drying on the island. I like the option of having a totally clear island if I need it. Yes, I was worried the sink was too far from the cooktop but it works well for me. I did consider putting a narrow sink near the cooktop just in case I needed water during cooking but left it out in the end. The distance from my sink to the edge of the island is 1.5m. Dishes get taken out of the dishwasher and are put away in the drawers in the island nearest to dishwasher side, as my island is 3m wide. From there it is easy to take them out over the island to the dining table or serve the kids who sit on the island for breakfast. It’s 3.8m from sink to centre of cooktop, which could be considered quite far. I suppose I have gotten used the distance.

Thanks for everyone's help. We have decided on Whisper White with standard decorator's white for the ceilings, as suggested by you and the painter. I also found this earlier post about white paint shades to be very helpful for others facing this dilemma! https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/3019158/which-white-is-right

Exactly the same tones as mine except i lifted it with a stainless steel col glass splashback and s/steel handles. I can change my accessories to suit the season even . clean and lovely as dark col bench tops look cluttered to me.Infact last week we even replaced the two downlights with 2 smoked glass pendents over the sink ( like yours) and they look great. Glad you are happier with your chosen result.

gorgeous pictures. thank you all for your comments. painting is still underway. turned out to be a bigger job than any expected. but its looking good. very white. i have never lived in a white house! i will post pictures when its finished. since you hall have been so helpful though i am going to keep asking your opinion if thats ok. im trying to update. eventually we will renoved kitchen and bathrooms and new carpets. but for now just trying to go slow. atm door all have gold handles...keep them / update? and i have taken the handles off the linen cupboards and wardrobes. i bought 300mm graphite but not sure. any hints? https://www.kethy.com.au/product/pm2810