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 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 Tina, Granites are non-pourous and really easy to maintain. When they are installed you should wipe them over with a liquid sealer; something like Rainstop and this will just give it an added protection, but you should not be concerned about staining (not sure where you heard this because it really is not a problem with Granite). The sealing process can be done once a year and it really is as easy as wiping your tops over with Rainstop, which is a thin liquid consistency like Terps, leaving it to dry for around 15 minutes and then wiping this over again with a dry clean cloth; it's that simple. Hope this information helps, regards Malcolm.

Thank you all so much for your time and fantastic suggestions... I was so confused and couldnt figure out how to decorate the space.. Your inputs have enlightened me with so many new ideas.. As most of you suggested, I think I might keep the dining table and add more wood accents to the kitchen.. I am also considering to change the dining chairs. As someone said, i also think its too much black and the lean chairs is making the dining area smaller for the space.