Ah, so your new bench would come from out from wall like the existing one? How about doing something like this (see pic) but using a normal mirror as the back piece. It would reflect the floors and make the island (or return bench?) appear more open then it actually is. I'm not sure if a smoke mirror has been used here or just a high gloss panel. I would actually allow for more storage anyway, even if you don't envision you'll use it at this point. As they say, "you can never have enough storage".

I have the same question really, except I know I have to have laminex and don't know which would look best. We live in the country where it's hard to inspect sizeable samples in situ

Hi there, Have you ever heard about the 'work triangle' concept when designing kitchens? https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-set-up-a-kitchen-work-triangle-stsetivw-vs~1042314 It is essentially about connecting the three main elements of the kitchen: the fridge, the cooker and the sink. As a rule, to achieve an efficient layout the triangle formed by lines linking these three elements should total 3.6 -6.6m in my experience. Try to avoid circulation through the triangle - particularly between sink and cooker which should not be more than 1.8m apart. I hope this helps!

Love the effort you're going to. But I'd have the entire island inc step down in the one colour, and the cupboard bench and splash back in the second colour. Remember once you add accessories and more importantly yourself the area will have plenty of movement and variety.