My first instinct was tile exactly because of how labor intensive this would be but then I began looking at all the color variations. I would think tiles would have more consistent coloring so this could definitely be timber. It seems too "imperfect" to be man-made material. As someone else said, "tricky."

Hello NY, thanks for your comments. The two colours were not going together, just one of those two for feature island. Solid 'white' perimeter cupboards and white stone bench top. I wanted a feature laminex with texture as it tends to soften the overall look of concrete and provides warmth. That's why I haven't gone towards solid colours for my island bench. Decisions decisions!

So no, it does not look very white to me. Quite a dusty off-white, towards a cream or egg-shell. Does Laminex have an antique white? Polar white is very stark.

Though I don't know for certain, I think the cotton/linen shades are removable. I wasn't able to determine this by my searches. This could easily be confirmed by making an enquiry to supplier before purchase. Alternatively, a handmade one could be made removable by making shade slightly larger than frame and making ties.