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!

Definitely agree that tall windows and doors are an asset, and a fantastic selling point for later on if you decide to rent or sell. They keep with the feeling of space, which feels luxurious. The only thing is, with our Australian summer and all, keeping light out, depending on the direction the windows/doors face, may be of concern. Incase you were considering this point early on, too, just wanted to let you know there are block out long drop (240mm) roller blinds available. Best of luck with your decision - can't wait to see the end result!

I think that top one from Amart will look lovely with the room and will definitely carry on with your timber throughout, it’s different, has a light wood that will pick up the white of the tables, I would love it myself. Are you able to get a larger photo of it and see how it looks near tables.

Hi Cassie, we had a similar dilema when we last built and opted for higher benches by increasing the height of the kickboards. The benches ended up at 950cms. I'm not as tall as you (167cm) but still find this height really comfortable. For me the cooktop bench is a little high, only because we have a gas cooktop with the hobs that sit up and so that adds a bit extra height, especially when using tall pots. We got the suggestion from my brother, a builder who is also very tall and so is his wife, so they do this each time they build.