Have u thought about a glass splashback?its very easy to clean,I have used red,but u may like a more subtle colour! We put in black granite bench tops when we built the house 17 yrs ago,they still look fantastic but they are a nightmare to keep clean,I would definitely change them to a white Caesar stone if I could!!

Hi Mel, Kitchens are an integral part of any home and particularly a busy family, so much to consider. I personally think an Island clear of any sinks or utilities makes for a more workable space. It lends itself to food prep, kids homework, meals, guests perched on a bench whilst you prep. Sinks always accumulate mess so I think a sink put to the side works better. Gone are the days where you will stand at a sink hours at a time. Think about how you like to cook and use a kitchen a cooktop not far from the sink works best think straining pasta pots, vegies etc.. As for butler's pantry's I'm not a fan, why spend money on a lovely kitchen only to be cooped up in a small kitchen off to the side, very unsociable. Houses are made to be lived in and sometimes that comes with a little mess particularly in the kitchen. Don't hide away in a butlers pantry embrace your home and kitchen and all that it entails. I recently completed a kitchen with a similar colour scheme to what you are suggesting black, white and timber, I anchored the kitchen with the black Island and used white cabinets for the rest of the kitchen. Matt surfaces are on trend at the moment as opposed to gloss or semi gloss, matt finishes hide finger prints and children's hand marks better, dust will show up on darker surfaces so be mindful of this. I adore natural materials and feel that a timber floor really adds warmth. Take a look at the kitchen I recently designed for my clients, would love to hear your thoughts. Happy to assist you any way - Good luck with your renos. Thanks Collaborative Interiors

There is also a new Caesarstone called Empira White that has a marble look if i was doing my kitchen again I would run the same Caesarstone up the splash back. Have a look

hi Need help as we are buying new kitchen appliance cooktop, oven and rangehood , so should o take undermount rangehoods or fixed as my design is wood and black cabinets contemporary design. Can u pls suggest to go with?