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.

Hi, I like using butlers sinks in my designs. (needs to be a traditionally styled house) I find the quality to cost ratio at the Belfast sinks from FL bone the best. Ceramic or granite sinks are usually more robust than colour coated stainless steel sinks. Mostly the colour scratches off relatively easy. I think its an advantage to have no benchtop between you and the sink, its very practical and a nice and clean look. Make sure your benchtop is high enough for your height. Normally top of benchtop 920mm. Drop me an email if you have further questions or need design ideas email info@dlab.co.nz

Can anyone tell me whether they like their coloured stainless steel sink? in particular i am looking at a Mercer Aurora sink in gold colour. If you happen to scratch right through the PVD layer is it very obvious?

I did a black sink like your second pic, but I have Formica and this way I can use the drainer for air fryer (with a board under, just in case!), dirty dishes before using Dw, etc. if I had stone, may not have had a drainer.