Julie, Getting closer by the minute ! Maybe a 'cousin' ? The plant I saw has no berries. but I most certainly like Myoporum insulate. Can grown from cuttings, Yippee !! Thanks

I agree with Jabinika that it doesn't look great just now. However if storage is an issue its a wasted space, and should be put to work. It looks as though many things are not yet finished. With lots of light paintwork and some aesthetically pleasing storage boxes, I feel it will do well. It would be good to see a pic of it complete.

I’d go with timber or cork. Cork is great in a kitchen. Easy on your feet and joints and things are much less likely to break if you drop them. Especially as you age, tiles cause fatigue if you are standing in the kitchen for too long. Cork is now available in lots of different colours and styles including charcoals and greys that might compliment your slate. It’s not all 80s orange. Of course timber can look great too. Just make sure it’s ok for kitchen use.

you could look at staining this one>? Bamboo Woven Ply - Bamboo Australia | Sunshine Coast or may I suggest a good detail joiner could make it to your custom panel sizing and finish it suitably for the kitchen splashbacks (if that is what it is for>?) I can suggest someone who would be able to custom make this if you wish.