Thank you we are looking forward to it :-) I have already done a whole floor plan for the renovations and additions and I have done elevations for the kitchen, which have already had a few changes due to seeing something on Houzz and thinking hmmmm that would work better etc. I will also run the drawings past an architect just to make sure there isn't a better way of doing things. Also we will live in the house as is for quite some time before starting the renovations which will give us a feel for how things should be. Very much appreciate all the advice. Regards Lynda

I would speak to Tim Lorian of Milano Stone in Claremont, he knows everything about stone. www.milanostone.com.au

My son used to help me cook in the kitchen - he is 190 cm, I am 175cm. I have an old-fashioned breakfast bar which is raised above the level of the kitchen benchtop. My son would stand at the raised section, I would stand at the lower section, it worked really well. An alternative might be to have a pull out step in the kick board spaces for your wife to stand on - I don't know if it would be high enough, but it might make things more comfortable. Speaking from the point of view of a tall woman, I will have my next kitchen cupboards and laundry raised at least 10 cm to make my life more comfortable - bending forward for any length of time is seriously UN comfortable!

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.