That's an interesting dilemma. I would be inclined to go with the dark grey chairs because: - the chairs will be under the table surface most of the time, so it shouldn't be "too dark" when combined with the dark grey sofa; - the dark grey should tie in well with the sofa; and - the dark grey will provide a nicer contrast with the concrete table surface. Does the store you're purchasing from have a returns policy? If you explained your dilemma, they may allow you to take one of each colour home to see which colour works best in the space. Alternatively, can you go to the store which stocks the table, see what other chairs they have in the showroom and see if there are some light grey and dark grey variations that you can try in the store?

Thank you to everyone who has commented - it is really lovely and so useful to have such thoughtful and encouraging comments! annab1997, the natural white is very yellow against the essastone sample we have, but does seem to work with the ticking. I'm trying a half strength version to see if that works - I also need to try it in the actual kitchen space but can't get in until the weekend (it is a building site). We don't really have any wall space in the kitchen/dining to paint as the wall opposite is full length windows. This provides loads of light to the island, but not much passing through to the back wall of the kitchen. Those small sections we do have - to the right of the bifolds on the picture - will either be in ticking (a great background to some of our artworks) or in the colour we paint the cupboards. I will definitely give the Resene colours a go as well as the Whisper White.

Your floor and other wall colours are great but Red (orange), black and white are very harsh together, the wall cabinets either side of the range hood have been badly installed, they should have been built to the ceiling. My suggestion is because the kitchen is small, I would remove the cabinets either side of the range hood and then run a row of white cabinets across above the sink to the end of the bench top. Paint the walls white or a soft grey, the range then becomes a stand alone feature. You didn't mention what the splash back material is but I would consider a clear mirror splash back along behind the sink and up to the base of the new white cabinets so that you're not just looking at a wall. cheers

I love the various complimentary colours too . One thing that may be worth a try to really tie it all together would be a concrete or block surround of the yard / driveway tiles , in white or english cream . Your front fence has light mortar , the house walls features light highlights , and the terrace tiles have quite a light tone too -- by adding a small amount of that in the front yard , you'd add some continuity IMO . Pot colour would depend on your roof colour and overall taste -- there are some amazing blue and green glazed 'Eygptian' type ones available , differing sizes and prices , that often have swirls of colour -- or bright yellow or orange if you want them to stand out , while gloss black ( with crisp green leafy plants , or even red leaves ) pots are fairly neutral but also classy . Just my amateur thoughts .