I think your benchtop material choice really depends on how both you and your husband live and what level of natural wear you are comfortable with showing. Natural wood benchtops to me are very similar to natural stone or stainless steel. The surfaces will naturally age and show use, scratches and imperfections much more than say a caesarstone if it's a high use area but some people love that look and it goes well with an industrial or natural style. My wife and I thought long and hard about it but realised we want the benchtop to look as new and clean each time as possible so opted back for caeserstone (Ocean Foam) which hid small stains and dust :)

Hi Sian If it wasnt for the foot rail, I'd thought the stool was a side table and looks uncomfortable to sit on, but try Gumtree - you may find pre loved Vincents for a song. I'll save you some legwork, or fingerwork :) check these out. http://www.mattblatt.com.au/Barstools.aspx?s73#p=2&ipp=28&f=v73-pv71-nBarstools-t71-c0&o=Default https://www.justbarstools.com.au/ https://interiorsonline.com.au/collections/all/category-bar-stools I love the choices in the last one.

Hi Jess, gorgeous kitchen, those stools are really nice especially the first one , I love stools that fit under countertop line so as not to break up flow of kitchen, it’s really a matter of taste and to have what you love.I am sure whatever you choose will look beautiful.

So you just want a bench ht table or bar table. I like a back on a chair, but kids don’t mind simple stools, which can be tucked under front of table out of way. Look for a design allowing this and stools with a foot rest bar to help kids climb down. One my kids got out of a high chair they quickly learnt how to climb safely off my kitchen stools, need help for a while getting up and down, but they helped keep them I’m place once up. :)