I agree with Brandi Nashi Hicks on timber and colours - think about providing colour with things that are simple to change like cushions, artwork, rugs and other accessories while keeping the basics of your home neutral - this way you can quickly, cheaply and easily change the look of your home as new trends or your tastes change. Don't worry too much about storage for when children come - the way you actually live in an apartment can vary drastically from how you think you'll live in it so put in what you need now, and then adapt your apartment to your family. Babies and small children don't need a lot of stuff - especially if you share cots, prams, clothing with friends and family so that you've got only what you need at that particular time - this works until they're at least school aged and provides a win/win solution to you and friends on storage and cost of little ones. Your future home looks as though it'll be a beautiful happy place to be a family and I hope you'll be very happy in it.

I am referring to knobs on my doors. Cabinets are bronze downstairs and nickel upstairs. I don't want to have to change doorknobs to sell, which might be in a year or two. So, is it weird to do nickel upstairs and bronze down? Or is is better to do the whole house the same?

Take one draw to Bunnings or Dulux store and they will match the colour.

Wow, a 4.3m Caesarstone benchtop will look spectacular. Make sure you understand about the end joints, where they meet and how they will look, as each slab is a lot shorter than 4.3m! Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls