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 have just turned a double internal garage into another room and turned the existing driveway into a courtyard. Swapped the drive to the other side of the front garden and built a Stratco pavillion as a carport. Best decision! Our garage had a 2.5m ceiling so it actually steps down from our hallway opening. I like the idea of integrating the laundry into a large pantry in the kitchen, will be doing the same next. original picture

you said you could extend towards the west to replace the laundry but what's the distance from the side of the original dining room to the western boundary and what are your long term plans for the old dining room, kitchen and the space behind the garage? if you expect to extend, as me me already said, it's much better to plan the whole house renovation and it can also be more cost effective to add new rooms than to rearrange existing spaces even if you have to do the work in stages but, as we can't read the writing on your plans, it difficult to make specific suggestions and i don't understand where you plan to add the new kitchen ...does the house have only original rooms or is part of the house an old extension? what are all the floors and walls made out and what is the height of the back deck off the ground? please show room names and dimensions on the plans in larger print and some photos inside and out would help understand the existing spaces but my initial thought would be to have a new kitchen,pantry and laundry on the garage side and use the old dining room kitchen and laundry bathroom as a new master suite..but depends on correct dimensions.

Having just finished my Renovation - including relocation of the Kitchen - I can sympathise with your dilemma. Consentino put out an incredible array of beautiful 'man made' stone benches and it's so hard to know what looks good with what. If you are near a big city, you might be lucky enough to be able to visit a purpose built Consentino showroom where they have most of their products displayed on bench tops and on the walls etc. It's worth the effort if you can do that. I used Consentino's very expensive Dekton for my bench tops and it is quite dark. I don't have any problems with cleaning. My major problem is My husband - who tells everyone who will listen, that I cornered the market on stone gold. Secretly though, he's very proud of the look, as am I. Like you, I was having a difficult time trying to decide on the splashback tiles - until my kitchen designer worked out that I would have just enough left over that I could use it behind the hob and also on the wall behind the Coffee Maker. It meant zero waste and I'm so pleased with the effect. I've attached a photo to help you see how it came together. If you are able to do this with your benchtop, it will be a huge saving to you and will give a cohesive look. As for which colour. It's really such a personal thing, however, if you have been following kitchen trends you will know that people are moving away from all white kitchens and adding more colour. Because your flooring appears to have some dark tones - almost black, I think that you could get away with a black stone that has a small amount of white marbling. I hope this helps with your decisions.