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 :)

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

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.