If you have not already made this kitchen I would like to help, it lacks adequate storage for good pantry space. If you need a lot of fridge space I am not sure that is the best method as it takes up a lot of space. The idea of adding the bench for the kids is a good concept but the high back means the kids can't see you all the time and they will end up on your side of the bench so they can see you. Incorporating space for the kids at the end of the island bench would be more functional for both you in the kitchen and the kids would be able to see you move around and feel a part of things. Also how will they use this space kids don't just sit still they will want a bench or something they can use to draw do homework etc. Colour contract of light and dark always looks good. If you need help call I have a kitchen company called www.louisdivine.com.au. My kitchens are more traditional styles but I can do whatever is required and given the detail used in my kitchens my prices are competitive. P.S white bench tops are not hard to keep clean and they don't date, the nature of the stone itself is easy to clean.

I would personally stick to white cabinets... I know, not very original... but I think white works best with timber benchtops... and black/white/timber is a fail-proof/timesless combo imo... But if you wanted to inject a bit of colour... and based on your coastal theme description... then I would suggest maybe duck egg blue?... do a search of "duck egg blue kitchen" in photos on Houzz AU

Hi Myriam so it sounds like you have decided on white cabinets, I agree that there are many shades of white and its imperative that you consider the undertone, as some will throw yellow and others blue or pink. A warm white is 'Dulux natural white not stark. Another white worth considering is Dulux Whisper white. Light also has a huge impact on colour that being natural or artificial light, good idea to pick up some sample chips from the local hardware or paint store and hold them in the room where the kitchen will be to gain perspective on how the white will look. The 2 whites I have suggested are very safe whites that should look fantastic regardless. This kitchen I used whisper white cabinets and walls are painted natural white (bulkhead) main island bench has a marble Calcutta Oro slab although different to Nobel grey gives you an idea of a "marble affect with the colour of the cabinets). Hope this has been helpful. Good luck

Don't go with white. While it is easy to replace door fronts and drawer fronts you won't be able to replace the tall vertical panels adjacent to the fridge recess and the microwave recess without pulling out half of your cabinetwork. If you went with a white you wouldn't be able to match the same white as these vertical panels, and the new white would look off next to the old white or vice versa! I'm afraid there is no easy solution that will make the new doors blend in with the old vertical panels, so I would go with a bold contrast colour block that looks good with the white vertical panels, as well as the black granite. Perhaps consider a Piet Mondrian inspired kitchen facelift, by introducing some black edging to the vertical cabinets and a careful composition of blocks of primary colours? Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls/Dr Retro Virtual Visits