Hi, I would steer away from white. I am in similar situation like you and am an interior designer. There are lots of options but the one I'm more inclining to (in your case) is light grey like Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray for example. It's pale but has a hint of grey tone in it which would create a really nice contrast between the warmth of the cherry wood. Also if you are using the top a lot, I'm using mine all the time, have you perhaps considered having a glass top? My top got really badly damaged by a oven cleaner gel when I put the tray on it and the whole surface just peeled off. In my case I want to protect it with glass. Just a thought... If you need a more detailed direction, I give lots of free advice on social media and my blog. Or you can just contact me with more info about your dilemma. Karolina

I think you are trying to tone with what is there but in a small space I think you need to go as light as possible. I would be looking for a nearly white granite with warmer veining such as artic white (bear in mind they are often called different things by different suppliers) I also like stone type products like Silestone

I think you see bars (serving beers) with stools and no overhang. These are fine for a social setting where one person might be sitting with their back to the bar chatting to others in the room. If you intend to use the bar for food you need to face the island so will need the recommended leg room. Could you swap the 600 deep cabinets for 300mm deep? The cost of new carcasses might not be too bad. You should also talk to your kitchen fitter as he may be able to install them after the quartz.

Hi, do you have photos of the space? Is it a light or a dark room? I would personally choose a white or light grey quartz or something like Silestone. Maybe a marble vein in it, like Calacatta Gold. You need to get some samples to see the colours in situ. But if it is a very light filled room, you could also go for a darker granite or quartz.