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.

Hi Amie, have you had a look at the Caesarstone website? They have a visualiser where you can select different bench tops, splash backs, cabinetry, floors and wall colour - it's fabulous for getting a better idea of how your kitchen will look :) I had a play with it for about an hour the other day lol ;) I found it amazing that the small sample colours, look totally different when applied on a large scale like a bench top.... definitely worth navigating around the Visualiser page of their website to see what you think will work best for you :)

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I hate to say this, but I really think it depends on what you like and there are pros and cons to each. First, gloss will show marks, such as fingerprints or smudges easier, so that is something to think about, depending on who uses your benchtop and how it is used. I have had clients use both, but personally, the gloss makes me a little crazy keeping up with the smudges, but that is more of an issue to me, in a darker colour. Gloss also gives a bit more of a luxe feeling and reflects more light, which can be a good or a bad thing, depending what you are after, and the amount of light your kitchen gets. I am assuming you have gotten a sample of both to look at in your kitchen and play with a bit. If not, definitely do that and see what you find. Let me know if I can help more.