I would clad it in horizontal wide timber flooring planks. Myself I'd go a grey, weathered timber like an oak, the engineered flooring can be bout in packs, so a single pack would create a feature inexpenssively. It will provide the oppotunity to introduce timber details in furnishings or kitchen accessories. Natural timber softens modern interiors, relaxes and adds character to traditional looks like provincial or hamptons styles. The wide plank will enhance the flow as a walk through, but still provide an intersting visual texture to the adjoining lounge area.

I say don't. My friends looks bad after two months. Stained with white circles from water damage. However , hers doesn't look sealed or oiled well enough. It's quite raw looking. Some woods must be more suited then others. If you don't have children and don't leave anything drying or wet on your benchtops it would be ok.

Have you been to visit some kitchen showrooms? You can customise the photo search here on Houzz quite a bit. For example, you can simply select [dark wood[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/kitchen-design-ideas-with-dark-wood-cabinets-phbr1-bp~t_10444~a_17-103) cabinet finish in the filter options. Then add more filters like floor colour, kitchen layout, cabinet style, wall colour etc if you wish. Leave the benchtop and splashback options open and see what results you get. You can then save any photos that appeal to your ideabook.

Hi! Number one is to make a space that makes YOU happy and works for YOUR family. Second - having sink or stove on the island means it is front and centre all the time, if cleanliness is something that worries you, then perhaps this isnt the best option. Third - I have seen bench top materials that mean a stove top can be seamlessly integrated underneath, this would solve the presentation issue as it would look like regular part of the bench and be easier to clean than a regular stove top Fourth - What is the layout of your space? Is through the kitchen used as a walk way for little ones? I always recommend that the stove be where the least amount of foot traffic occurs, to the side and out of the way! Good luck