Beautiful clean modern kitchen! You have a great opportunity to put your personal stamp on the space with a unique backsplash. As you've heard already there are some different approaches. I'd probably place the backsplash up to the wall cabinets and up to the base of the hood. Then continue the backsplash at the same height (18"?) behind the sink. Then place an inspiring colorful picture above the sink to break up the wall. Here's a picture with pendants that aren't too obtrusive. Having multiple levels of lighting at different lumens makes a more inviting feel to the space. I couldn't decipher your flooring, but you may also want to consider adding some nature elements like a type of wood flooring, wood stools, etc. Good luck! If you need software to plan out materials check out our Home Designer software: http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/

The all black kitchen looks scary as. Maybe because there's no lightness in there at all.

Hi, We have recently renovated our kitchen, and have had the idea to turn our living room into a dining room. The idea is, that we would have some really comfy chairs and would be able to relax while sitting around the table; so the dining table wouldn't be only for meals. Then rather than having a dining table, we would have a bench with bar stools on the kitchen/living room wall. (nb the wall is load bearing and cannot easily be removed so this isn't an option). The other option is to keep the living room and set it up with a sofa, coffee table and a couple of occasional chairs. Dining wise we would have a smaller dining table in the kitchen. The living room opens on to the lounge which is set up as a TV room. There is also a guest bedroom and bathroom downstairs; the family bedrooms and bathroom is upstairs. We will also have an outdoor dining table in the undercover area outside the kitchen. I look forward to your thoughts and ideas.

A very simple layout keeping the floor space within the kitchen, the WIP takes up a lot of space with not much gain, The broom cupboard could be moved to the Laundry/entrance, narrow. If the wall has been bumped out to the eaves on the deck side giving an extra 300 depth to the kitchen you could make the island 2700 x 1200 and all drawers. The wall of narrow pantry will hold all pantry needs and more, no deep cupboards to dig into. cheers