Looks like a good design, are you planning to have some open shelving above the fridge and towards the right side by the window?

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.

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

I am worried about not having a backsplash esp for the hob. Does anyone have ideas for avoiding water from sink and cooking splashes hitting people sitting at the bar.