If you have not already made this kitchen I would like to help, it lacks adequate storage for good pantry space. If you need a lot of fridge space I am not sure that is the best method as it takes up a lot of space. The idea of adding the bench for the kids is a good concept but the high back means the kids can't see you all the time and they will end up on your side of the bench so they can see you. Incorporating space for the kids at the end of the island bench would be more functional for both you in the kitchen and the kids would be able to see you move around and feel a part of things. Also how will they use this space kids don't just sit still they will want a bench or something they can use to draw do homework etc. Colour contract of light and dark always looks good. If you need help call I have a kitchen company called www.louisdivine.com.au. My kitchens are more traditional styles but I can do whatever is required and given the detail used in my kitchens my prices are competitive. P.S white bench tops are not hard to keep clean and they don't date, the nature of the stone itself is easy to clean.

I like the grey best for reasons stated above. The 'busy' look may also be a huge benefit in that it won't highlight every speck of lint or footprint etc. as much as a more solid coloured tile.

Thank you siriuskey. Yes that's what I was referring to, but I think I wasn't giving credit to the island sink, which would also serve for food prep. I was thinking about efficiency from my perspective. Euro bins next to sink in island, would be beneficial for ease of handling waste. Another consideration is: when using cooktop and extraction fan, will noise from fan interfere with person in study? Also, will steam from say, boiling water steam bother anyone using the study desk? I am not trying to throw cold water on the plan by my questions, I'm merely trying to imagine diff scenarios so as much as can be taken into consideration is. I have a glass splashback behind induction cooktop and a very effective extraction fan; however, when a large pot of water is at full boil, the glass steams up something chronic and I have to constantly wipe it and the underside of exhaust fan or else water drips down onto the cooktop (and any food I'm cooking).

So is this just for the stair or for the actual flooring? Blackbutt will be more consistent and lighter. Spotted gum has more variation in colour. It's all natural product so it's next to impossible to see exactly/perfectly what it will look like, and the particular finish can make a difference too. But these two are quite different. Blackbutt is a lighter option closer to a Tasmanian Oak or Vic Ash in tone but much harder/denser, with a bit more character in it and much better for stairs than the softer hardwoods. This is Blackbutt: Spotted gum is much different has quite a distinctive/australian look to it as per below: Significant difference. Depending upon what adjacent flooring and also the stair design one or the other could work. It's about choosing the right one for your particular context. If you want an interesting/varied feature spotted gum could be the go, if it needs to be more understated and toned down then blackbutt could be the better option - good luck :) PD