As the appearance of the garden has a modernist style with the straight lines and concrete furniture how about a Mondrian influence and add a bold strip of blue? It is a pond and with the right shade it could look really relaxed and contemporary. My daughter's suggestion is a chalky lilac!

i think that a mini-subway tile in a carrera marble and gray colored grout could be stunning in here. subway shaped tiles are both modern and classic and will never go out of style...your options are really limitless. this space appears to be open to another, if you add color to the kitchen, be sure that it makes sense with the adjacent room. this space is going to be great!! already gorgeous! keep us posted!

I can see why you are retired Sophie, your arrogance is noted. Your invalid assumptions and snipey tone suggest it may be time to take up knitting or at least find another forum? We have several professionals involved on this high end project. All of whom understand ergonomics. Nevertheless, I was interested in other opinions as there is still an acceptable range within expert views and average heights are on the rise. That said, from a stylistic point of view there is often a push toward lower. Further, the huge range of heights in ready made furniture shows just how much variation there is. Some of it is ergonomically designed, some is not.

The blue is awesome (grey is too trendy)! The reason it stands out to you is perhaps because it's the only real colour there. Bring in the blue in a window treatment, a small appliance that sits on the counter, a pretty tray or area rug. Also, it is more appealing often if there are more than 2 colours - so right now you have a white and blue colour scheme - bring in red or orange or fushia - something from the other side of the spectrum (like you did with the yellow flowers but in a more permanent way)!