I don't know how hot it gets in Auckland in summer (I've only ever been to NZ in winter!) but if it gets hot, then go for a pale colour. Dark roofs should be kept for cold places!

Personally I do not know if I like the colour blocking or not but it is what makes you happy that matters. If I was to go with colour blocking I would have to take it one step further and have all the books correctly stacked so the stack went from tallest book down to lowest or similar. I see some of your book are low, then, high, etc - that lack of balance would drive me crackers. Ha Ha

I think the spanish white in gloss will accomplish what you're trying to do in the room (i.e. make it look warm). The colour will go good with all of the other colours in the room. What did you decide to do?

We are doing the following to this kitchen: - Tiles replaced to large light grey concrete tiles (confirmed) - Cabinetry sprayed to white: sea fog OR half sea fog (note: walls are now half sea fog) - Benchtop replaced with white or grey stone Question: do we get white or grey for the bench based on the above?! options are: - grey stone (pictured with floor tile held against it) - plain white stone (not pictured but is plain white stone) - white marble with subtle pale grey marbling (pictured with floor tile held against it) white tiled splashback remains as is!