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After I had finished my Archi Masters I was working for an architecture firm who also did a small amount of work for a volume builder. They were actually a pretty good quality builder and at least got the orientation of their 'pre-designed' plans correct. We had the ability to make minor changes to every job and it pained me to see so many simple to implement passive options not being incorporated. Had most of their clients known that they would be saving MONEY over the longterm by making a few minor changes to suit their site, they all would have done it. The problem is unless someone can sell this idea to them as a financial/lifestyle choice, many just think it is about saving the world. It is a no-brainer if you have in interest in it, but for those who don't know, there is no-one there selling it to them, especially on the lower end of the market.

I agree that it's hard to choose the style without seeing the rest of the house but that a charcoal colour (same as the island cupboards) would tie in best with the colour scheme you have. Depending on the look of the house you have a lot of options to choose from and a lot depends on personal taste or budget. Glass is easy to keep clean and is a modern look if you are not wanting to draw attention to the splashback. Mirror (plain - modern or distressed - character) is lovely if you have something nice reflected in it. If the kitchen is messy though, it doubles the mess. Subway tiles (regular or irregular, tiled in brick format or herringbone) are always a lovely classic choice - but be mindful of grout issues. Arabesque or patterned tiles add more character if you're after tiles with a wow factor. I personally love stone, marble or quartz for an elegant, timeless look and in a charcoal or grey with veins I think would look stunning with the lamps as well as tying in the white and grey cabinetry. You can also do marble tiles that are a little less exxy than a slab although in the end I was surprised that the marble didn't cost much more than the caesarstone. Choices, choices!! Good luck. Your kitchen looks lovely!

Hi AndrewJason, I love cavity sliders. they are there when you want them but not visible when you need the space open. Having said that they cost more, take a bit of wreckage to set up and in you WA case you will be wrecking brick walls to put them in which might be a stretch of mess too far. BUT you will need to weigh up if they are worth it in the end. I do not think the build will be too bulky in the kitchen/dining because it will be superbly practical on both sides and it maybe just a matter of what you are used to. Not sure about "Average Joe...…" we are all good at somethings, mine is plans, function, practicality, solar. Yours might be brain surgery, empathy for unwell folks, kinda or you make the best seafood lasagne in the world... we are all needed to make for a great world: and it really is that!!! Good luck with your splendid home: I think it is beautiful. And PS if you do make the best seafood anything I better have your address....!!!!!!! MK