Hi there! Is this photo from Houzz? If so, you can ask a question directly on the photo and the professional who has uploaded it will get notified and hopefully be able to give you some answers :)

I found a website that might be quite helpful for you http://www.colourtouch.com.au/ to visualise what colours and finishes could look like on your house. You can choose a style of house that closely matches yours then choose a number of set schemes, or start with a blank canvas and play around with any colour / finish you like.

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.

Update: I rang around a few co's that remove vinyl and they seem to think its vinyl too. Easy enough to remove, but I need to choose to replace it with more vinyl or twopak finish. I can see there are some good discussion threads here on it that topic too! I'm renting out the house for 3 years before probably selling, so I think I'll go for the cheaper option. Thanks very much for your help!