That's a fabulous idea. I don't like that front board but it's lacquered to coordinate with the cupboards, so ot couldn't be painted . I could keep the stools and improve the hated kickboard. That would be a double win. Although a lower back would be nice. I kind of like those white lattice designer ones, would they be too busy?

And the seating areas are different, don't try to make it look like one area. I would put minimal ( if any) teal around the black sofa. Do your dining room. Then give you living room the same respect, it is it's own space

I love our island bench in the mornings - I have 4 kids, 3 of which are teenagers, and the morning rush to get out to school is chaotic. The kids all come through to the kitchen at different times for their breakfast, which I have set up on the bench, and they can just grab what they want, sit on a barstool and gobble it quick. Then it's just the kitchen bench that needs a good clean after breakfast. don't have to worry with the dining table. Evening meals are a different story though, I believe families should sit down together at the dining room table.

Wow! Very impressive! I would love to know the colour of paint used for the walls and the trims - the skirtings look like a brighter white than the walls? I love it all!