Natalie, I didn't even think of that with the microwave! I knew it didn't look right - there was an extra small piece of cabinet that I assumed was meant to go there to finish it off but I couldn't work out how it fitted lol. Unfortunately the doorway at the end of the fridge isn't even remotely a straight wall.so the end panel we had either looked silly or had to sit in far enough that the fridge wouldn't fit. So my dad & I built that box above the fridge to measure & I had to plaster the doorway wall a bit thicker & taper it to the box. Would a pelmet or something similar work for the window? The other side of the window is the end of our entertainment area & we are planning on putting a shelf under it as a pass through/bar so would rather not have a full blind. I also put the frosting up as a temporary measure whilst renovating, but have actually grown fond of it. I did consider lining the window with trim like a frame? Examples below:

Second attempt was with Windex and same paper towel, which cleaned the two honed surfaces up pretty well. The lighter Raw Concrete seems to have been easier than the Sleek Concrete. And finally, to get rid of that pot scratch I used a non-scratching Scotch brite pad (what we usually use on dishes) with some diluted Soft Scrub. This one took a little more elbow grease but I'm satisfied with the results. My opinion is that comparing the two surfaces (honed vs. glossy) there is a marked difference. That being said, I currently have tile from 1978 and grout lines that are so deep and narrow I have to scrub them out with a toothbrush. I guess it's all a matter of perspective. We decided to go with the Raw Concrete after all, and like others have said, just expect that it'll take a little more work and show a few more stains. But then again, isn't that the whole point of concrete? That it looks industrial? I hope this has helped someone. If anyone is interested I'll try to post some more photos and real life feedback in a couple of weeks once ours is installed.

Thanks to everyone for all your helpful comments. As much as I'd love the light airy style kitchen with the light grey benchtops, I've decided to go with timber as it will stand up to my boof head hubby, he is just too heavy handed to trust with a laminex benchtop, if he does cause any damage we can just sand and re-oil and will be good as new. I also felt timber on my desktop (area on the side) would be warmer and more welcoming as I work from home and the thought of a cold laminex desktop wasn't appealing. I will try to counteract the over abundance of timber with white splash back tiles and lighter floors when we redo those, hopefully that will lighten it all up a bit. The buffet in the dining is going and will be replaced with something in a lighter tone so that will cut down on the timber as well and the stools will be painted to match the cabinets. I'll more than likely do away with all the timber furniture and go lighter soon anyway....a change is as good as a holiday they say, and I can't afford a holiday now I've got a new kitchen so..... I'll post photos of the finished product but thanks for all your help.

I'd start saving some inspo pics here on Houzz so you can see the common threads of what you like. Then I'd pay a few hundred dollars to have a design consultation. In your area you will have a range of choices.