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.

~$400 including expedited shipping. My GC just had his regular countertop guy do them, which wasn't great.... he had trouble making clean cuts. If I were going to do it again I would have pressed for someone with expertise to cut them. You can see in the image that the facing is not made of the stone peak, because too much was broken during the cutting to make the mitered edge. I'm a little bummed, but mostly pleased with the surface (which is the important part) thus far.

New Zealand! You live in paradise! Porch paint is specially made paint for wooden porches or decks. Its not a stain but an actual hard wearing & weather resistant paint that allows the wood texture to show through. Its safe for indoor or outdoor use. It is self priming & self sealing. I have used porch paint for wood paneling & kitchen cabinets & when remodeling a staircase formerly covered with carpet. It comes oil based or water based acrylic. I prefer oil based for a glossy easy to clean finish for a wooden table top. You may check your local home improvement/hardware store or paint store. I use Glidden Porch Paint. Takes me only 2 coats for white & the oil based goes on easily with a roller. Dries quickly too. Good luck!

I recently saw this episode of Ask This Old House where they demonstrated painting tiles - especially as a solution to get one through till an entire redo is possible. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/ask-toh/video/0,,20902001,00.html Looks like you are doing a great job!