Laundry drains can really pong when they're seldom used - the water in the trap can disappear and you get a vile sewer smell. Before going to expensive and highly caustic chemicals try 1 cup of bicarb of soda and half a litre of white vinegar down Let it sit for an hour then follow up by pouring boiling water down the sink and see if that helps - you can do it a couple of times - I do mine every few weeks (kitchen and laundry). You could also run your washing machine (empty) on the hottest possible was with a good amount of bleach in it to help. If it's the rangehood - don't be surprised so many people forget to clean them - pull out the filters and wash them (mine go into the bottom rack of the dishwasher on the highest temperature setting).

Hi Lyd, You could start by looking on the Globe West website to get an idea of the different styles available. I can help you purchase from there if you see something you like, as they do only sell to the trade. Keep in mind that bar stools usually come in two heights - high or low seat to suit your benchtop height. Next consider whether you would like padding to the seat as this can determine the comfort factor. If you are going for high stools then a foot rest is important for comfort or your feet may be left dangling. A small (or tall) backrest is also good for support and helps you to sit their longer. Also think about the use - are they for children and so need to be easy to wipe clean or for adults so can have a more sophisticated appearance, in which case an upholstered stool might be the right choice. We can't forget colour and style, of course; does your home have modern, mid-century, provincial styling, or something else? A Professional Design consultation in your home could quickly sort out all these answers and many more. Good luck with your decision making. Cheers, Michelle

Gallifrey has a good point. That bench area is in a high traffic area. Get something that tucks all the way under like the oak ones suggested by Hayleys room.....but don't spend a fortune. I suspect that in time this area will become a work-zone bench (absolutely perfect in fact and nothing wrong with that, given it falls in the middle of your working triangle - fridge, sink, stove)

Thanks siriuskey. I was worried that I would get something too off the rest of the style. I have an interior designer helping me but I have blown my budget already so used her advice for all the other furnishing and artwork. This website is amazing! For someone like me, who has no clue, is a life saver!!!