I have black granite work tops and a huge amount of them and an island - my reason for choosing is that I believe granite is a lot stronger in the dark colours where as marble is stronger in the light colours - I am (hope husband doesn't see this!) a little bit bored of the black work tops - they are classic but a bit dead - next time, if there is ever a next time, I would not play so safe and would go for light work tops with a bit more interest. I would steer clear of work tops unless you are prepared to really look after them and treat them regularly! As for walls - I would go light - and ensure it is a paint that you can wash splattering off! Not a basic emulsion! That way, by going light you can change colour of kitchen accessories at any time to freshen it up and update it. If I was planning a new kitchen now, I would probably go for light tops with up stands and then have a feature surface in a different material - perhaps a rounded wooden block at the end of a unit as a feature. I love my kitchen but I have played it a bit safe, on reflection!!

Hi caroljchapman49 Our Brooklyn 3 Light Pendant Bar - Satin Chrome could be a great choice, the diameter of a single shade is 20,5 cm and the overall length of the fitting is 80 cm. The height can be adjusted to suit your needs. Hope this helps and if you have any questions feel free to contact us by emailing customerservice@litecraft.co.uk or by calling 0161 359 4777 Kind Regards, Litecraft Team

If you wanted a statement light that was a bit "out there" then check out the melt pendant light by Tom Dixon. They do a mini melt too. They are pricey but they are are absolutely gorgeous when you see them lit at night - I'm so in love with them and am seriously craving one for my dining room. They have a mirror finish when switched off and then turn translucent when on and come in gold, silver or copper.

The kitchen looks lovely. I like the table and it works well with the lights and I'd put the eames chairs with it or a mix of chairs (an old church chair is good for keeping kids colouring in stuff in but not sure of their age! ) What wood were you looking at? However having said that, your table is butt against the bar and the legs on this table are wider than the top so if you went for this one I think you'd need to go for a short table. As kikiamack said pedestal tables are good although hard to find a rectangular one (!) or as colourhappy said an old farmhouse one would work. Would an extending table also be an option? How many do you need to seat on a regular basis? Are the lights centred over the bench?