I'm assuming when you say lacquer you mean an actual painted finish over wood. When I was researching this as I also have toddlers the main issue I saw was not fingerprints but chipping and difficultly in repairing or touching up in the event of chipping.

Beautiful table. I don't particularly like the metal/cane chairs. Too 'light' in appearance. Do you use the chairs by the window? I think they are too close to the table and they are too big in comparison. Could be the angle of the photos though, may look different in real life. I don't think your ceiling is too low to hang a pendant above the table. How do you change the table position? If you only turn it around, you can still keep it centered under a light. If you move it to the wall it's another story of course. The two paintings above the console should be hung lower and I prefer them on one level. You can add table lamps on the console and a floor lamp in the corner between the windows. If you use the two chairs, I would add a table in between and angle the chairs a bit. I'll see if I can find you other dining chair options.

I think what you have done is amazing - so fresh and so modern - it is a great example to people like myself who have an old kitchen with good bones but no longer modern. So many people spend far too much money ripping out usable kitchens, that function well but they think they need to get the new and latest, often just to keep up with the "Jones". You have done an amazing job without the huge cost of replacing all your cabinetry. WELL DONE.

Can someone give me advice where I should start & finishes the tile on wall behind kitchen sink please? At end of bench? Under window finished edge or at edge of stone sink bench? See photo.