I have same thing on white. It's a pita to keep clean. I was told you need to have the ceramic treated with something in order to protect it. I guess with that its ok. I would go for black one rather.

Hello, try these eraser sponges-they are amazing for keeping these colour sinks looking great. Simply use with warm water/dishwasher liquid. http://www.heritagehardware.co.nz/itemdetails/Ecogranit-Cleaning-Sponge/2113.aspx also you can download some tips for maintaining these sinks http://www.heritagehardware.co.nz/downloads.aspx Hope this helps

I have your setup #1 and it works well, we do drip a bit of water on the floor between sink and dishwasher, but you learn not to!! Also it gives a full clear bench on the peninsular for eating, setting out, or working or whatever. Your kitchen is slightly narrower, from memory ours is 1.6M not 1.3 as you have yours, Our peninsular has a circular end which has actually proved very beneficial for sitting round, and seats up to 5, meaning you are not sitting in a long line, but facing each other round the end, - I love it, it is a real gathering point. The outer side of the peninsular curves in to the centre, then flows out to make the circular ending, so its not protruding into the kitchen but into the other side, sorry I don't think I can add a sketch to this.

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.