Bluemeeru, yes sink is on left next to dishwasher, which is next to the fridge. I never wanted a sink on the island for the same reason. Water splashes and there will always be something drying on the island. I like the option of having a totally clear island if I need it. Yes, I was worried the sink was too far from the cooktop but it works well for me. I did consider putting a narrow sink near the cooktop just in case I needed water during cooking but left it out in the end. The distance from my sink to the edge of the island is 1.5m. Dishes get taken out of the dishwasher and are put away in the drawers in the island nearest to dishwasher side, as my island is 3m wide. From there it is easy to take them out over the island to the dining table or serve the kids who sit on the island for breakfast. It’s 3.8m from sink to centre of cooktop, which could be considered quite far. I suppose I have gotten used the distance.

Hi Melissa Padley, The pattern in the 'Clamshell' is stunning in a big slab, I haven't seen it throw a pink tone. The 'Shitake' (of the same pattern, more brown tones) however can throw pinks. The 'Clamshell' has more depth than the 'Nordic loft' pattern so would get my vote. If pricing comes into it the 'Nordic loft' is part of CaesarStone's standard range, 'Clamshell' is in the deluxe range making it slightly more expensive. This price does not reflect the quality of the product as they are both as good as the other, more that the deluxe range patterning is harder to achieve than the standard range. Something to keep in mind. Hope that helps, let us know how you go! Warm regards sB+

Ceasarstone recommend that you do not use their products as a splashback behind a gas stovetop unless you have a 200mm gap between the edge of the stovetop and the splashback due to the heat. If you change to an electric or induction cooktop then this distance can be reduced to only 50mm. If you are using a stone-look benchtop, such as the ones that you have mentioned, I would NOT go for a stone look printed on glass for the splashback as the reflectivity is higher with the glass and it will look fake. I would suggest tiles or a glass splashback that is a consistant colour, possibly matched to the veining of the grey in your benchtop which will complement your benchtop (which is the feature of your kitchen), and not distract from it. Matt black tapware and sinks are very on-trend, and when the fashion passes in about 18 months they will start to look dated. Classic chrome and stainless steel is timeless, so your choice really depends on how long until you put your house on the market... Best of luck with your kitchen, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls http://www.caesarstone.com.au/Portals/0/Documents/2017-Kitchen-Splashback-Guide_Web.pdf

The Marble Man - would like to share information for your consideration - Manmade, engineered stone is also known as agglomerate, manufactured stones or reconstituted stones. They are made from a combination of approximately 7% resins, cement, and coloured pigments and upwards of 93% natural stone chips such as quartz or marble. These materials are bound together to make a slab. Engineered stones are designed to emulate natural stones such as marble and granite and are an extremely popular alternative to natural stone in building today. Some of the engineered stone brands include Caesarstone, Essastone, Quantum Quartz, Silestone, Technistone, Smarstone and HanStone. These stones are similar in composition, varying only by a few percent in total quartz used. Their differences lie in the colours, patterns and applications offered. Some engineered stones are just made for benchtops whereas, others can be used for tiles. For you the home renovator, builder or owner the preference to choose engineered stone over natural stone is purely a personal one. Natural stone is attractive because of it’s unique inconsistencies in colour, texture and patterns. The Marble Man enjoys the qualities of all natural and manmade stone. When you view engineered stone for consideration for your home, you will see a more consistent colour and patterning in the stone. Take the time to view the full sheet of stone and consider the overall look and effect of the colour you choose for your interior. There are many reasons why engineered stones are being chosen over natural stone: Engineered stones are durable, scratch, stain and heat resistant * They come in a variety of colours and patterns Natural marble is susceptible to etching and staining, however a marble look can be created with the etch and stain resistant properties of granite, making it a good choice for high stress areas such as kitchen benchtops and bathroom vanities The quartz used in the engineered stones is a similar hardness to granite and rates a 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness It is easy to clean and will require less long-term maintenance like granite if cared for according to manufacturers instructions. Please be sure to speak with the sales team about your uses of the benchtop, stone, surface and address how you plan to use the surface before finalising your choice. Manmade, reconstituted stone is only ‘resistant’ to scratching, staining and heat and therefore hot pots must not be left on for extended periods, cutting boards should still be used under hot pots, pans or dishes. Spills must be cleaned up immediately as in the case of any natural stone to prevent stains. It comes with a manufacturers seal therefore additional sealing is not usually necessary. * In our experience engineered stone kitchen benchtops and bathroom vanities do chip and scorch, however we have developed processes to repair even large chips making them virtually undetectable, and to restore the factory finish to surfaces damaged by heat. Enjoy your home, enjoy the stone you choose for the benchtops in your home. The Marble Man is happy to assist with stone information, repairs, polishing and sealing all stone surfaces. We service Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Northern NSW, Sydney and Canberra for all stone repairs, polishing and sealing Stone surfaces - simply call 1300 627 626. Learn more on The Marble Man website - www.themarbleman.com.au