There are many examples on houzz of contrasting counters for perimeter and island. For example butcher block on island and stone on perimeter or a solid color on one and something with movement on another. I would only mix two stones if one had movement and one was fairly solid. The stainless on perimeter and something else on island sounds good to me. Here is a pic of stainless counters with what looks like a stone breakfast bar. (I hope I understood your question right). http://houzz.com/photos/3137660

Thanks Geoff, that’s a good point! We will paint the walls a white with slight grey to it, do you think a white splashback would work? We were thinking black to match the cooktop but also show off the benchtop. If anyone needs more info - the rest of the house is quite neutral, leaning towards a slight country theme but still keeping it modern.

Great use of space and creating more storage space through the entire kitchen - Love the white and wood finish through out!

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!