This is a TALL family...yes, even the dog is tall.  So counters are thicker and toe-kicks higher enabling an erect spine during prep and cooking.  We even elevated the ice maker a full two feet!  These clients fancy manufacturing varied smoothies each morning...thus the blending station is happily equipped with an exclusive appliance garage and refrigerator drawers. 
The husband piped in a single request for this project...the white herringbone backsplash.  A genius move, for sure.  An attached walnut counter-height table enjoys ample daily use and doubles as the familial cookie-baking workbench.  Despite a dining table nearby this close-knit clan chooses to read, visit, play games, do homework and yes, dine on the counter height wooden surface, fostering a lively social hub...and they wouldn't have it any different.

Of Note — Various functional sections within a kitchen can also portray differing, complementary esthetics.  The main kitchen area shown, for example, conveys charcoal counters, off-white ceramic backsplash & cabinetry and walnut shelving...while the beverage/breakfast station sports cream counters, variegated blue glass tiles, royal- hued cabinetry and stainless steel shelving.  This approach encourages each section to shine!