Make sure the stove is required distance + a few more centimetres from the splashback. In our experience gar burners with a large pot direct the heat toward the splashback. Burning the splashback. Stone can usually be repaired and our team have developed the Fusion Polish method to repair and restore stone when burned - however we can not on a vertical surface. Let's avoid the disaster. Give The Marble Man a call for stone - polish, repairs & sealing 1300 627 626

I have the same question really, except I know I have to have laminex and don't know which would look best. We live in the country where it's hard to inspect sizeable samples in situ

i'm glad you're planning to reroute access to the garage: clumsy traffic pattern change a generous room into a big hallway and can't stop thinking about your kitchen..1. where you have narrow cabinets/shelves in the pantry...it's possible to have built in shelves inside the dividing wall (think about the size of what you want to store: cans, bottles, skinny packets? and put 60cm base cabinets on the other side, next to the freezer 2. i can't see the yellow highlights for stools 3. width of pantry is subject to you wanting to keep the door to the formal living room...if so, measure 150mm past the door opening and that's the minimum width of the pantry but 1500mm allows space to comfortably walk past your freezer and have full size base cabinets with pantry drawers (cleaner than open shelves) 4. space between the b'fast bar and 'fridge should be at least 90cm but if you choose a wide b'fast bar and a big 'fridge a bigger space is preferable (stand a couple of chairs 90cm in front of your current fridge for a few days and see how it feels) direction of fridge door opening is also critical, first for the cooks and then everyone else: if the size of the b'fast bar can be enlarged or reduced with overhanging counter then a change of walkway is not so difficult 5. as suggested by girlguide, the cooktop and rangehood might be better on the outside wall for ventilation 6. there seems to be a lot of small cabinets and drawers in your plan and there could be some better (and cheaper) combinations but when i tried to access IKEA kitchen planner to confirm available sizes it's not responding today 7. i've attached my suggested approximate base cabinet sizes: starting with corners and work outwards, aiming for the biggest standard carcases and then add drawers to suit purpose ..

I think the look you are going for is gorgeous! But I admit that I too am surprised your considering a smoky mirror splashback if you dislike glass? But again, it all depends on the vision you have for your kitchen. As Dr Retro has wisely pointed out, depending on what is opposite, will depend on what you're reflecting... or, what you have on your kitchen bench and if you want to see it doubled. I think in certain applications, smoky mirror splashbacks can look really beautiful but if you're not fond of glass, why not start with a material that you love and go from there? I have developed a bit of a thing for Southern Cross Ceramics and all the different tiles they have available - in beautiful colour tones, patterns.... aaaaah it's hard to make a decision! It doesn't need to be a dark colour if that is not where you heart lies, but some soft muted colours could work beautifully. I also saw a designer recently laid I believe it was a mix of matt and gloss white subway tiles in a herringbone formation (correct me if I'm wrong anyone??) so that it had a little twinkle here and there... it looked beautiful. As much as I love a mostly white kitchen, I think a little colour & texture that compliments your marble would be a great way to go.I even saw some silver/copper foil looking tiles as part of a splashback to give a kitchen that bit of glam. Before you commit to smoky mirror splashback, maybe have a look at some other options that will compliment your style and see if anything else grabs you :) Good luck.