Hi Hillary, maybe have a think about just going slightly rounded on the corners on having the corners flush with your cabinets so that there is no overhang. Hope that helps.

My shiny black granite benchtop is easier to clean than others in the past. I use a clean dishcloth, and wash it under the tap regularly while cleaning. The real secret is to follow the wet cleaning with wiping off with a clean tea towel. The granite benchtop and splash back around the stove gets a gentle multi-purpose cleaner first, allowing a minute or two to soften the grime, despite my installer's advice to use 'just water.'

I wouldn't go those dark laminate kitchen cupboards. I have the exact same and I absolutely loathe them now. I use to love the darker colours but now I wish I had just done them white, light gray or even the dark blue (although dark blue worries me a little too!). That dark laminate brown is such an absolute pain to keep clean. They show up every mark. I like your stone bench tops though but would look at other options to create the look you're hoping for with the joins and waterfall benches etc. Goodluck with it all!

We have had composite stone bench tops for many years. First was Askilan (not even sure this is around anymore), then caesarstone which we had for over 15 years. It had one tiny chip at the edge of the under mount sink. It had a gloss finish in a white fleck and never showed a mark or stain. Replaced with a new caesarstone when we renovated the kitchen, this one has a Matt finish and shows more marks but us just as easy to clean - I love it.