Hi Deco Everything that I have collected part from the dining set which was an investment has been from garage sales. So I am quite happy to part with everything... I think the most expensive was $10.00. My problem is that I cant focus because you are right. I just have too much going on in different styles. Going with the style of the dining table - where do you think I should head with rug choices from everything I am reading - it says I should zone out the room?? I am staying away from leather couches and heading towards a cotton fabric. I really just want the space to be comfortable. Thanks for the tip about the ideabook. I've been collecting here and then, but mainly watching how people solve their dilemmas. I look but don't comment much.

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!

I thought I'd close this discussion with a picture of the stools I chose - thank you Tribble for suggesting the Jack Stool. I went with these and absolutely love them!! Charlie from Ancora Designs was very helpful.

I agree with all the comments about back rests and white stools getting dirty easily. My friend was devastated when her guest sat on her brand new white chair with jeans and the indigo dye from her jeans stained the chair forever. I’d also be wary that the white you choose for your stool blends with the white of your kitchen. From memory, your kitchen and bench tops are a warm white. The stark white of those stools could be jarring to the eye. Just saying....