We have just finished renovating two bathrooms and I was adamant I didn’t want shiny chrome. I insisted on Astra Walker’s brushed platinum tapware and fittings. Whilst it does look a bit gorgeous, I’m afraid it’s not worth the extra 25-30% we paid for it (shhhh, thank god my husband isn’t on Houzz!!). With all special finishes I find you need to be quite particular about wiping down the fittings otherwise they look grubby with water stains. Hindsight you marvelous thing, you’re always 20/20 aren’t you??!! I’ll be sticking to good quality chrome if we ever renovate again. Especially since you can get such a wide variety of styles that suit anything from a Victorian style bathroom to pure minimalism. Good luck.

Acrylic/solid surfaces/Porcelain will all be dearer than engineered stone. For a budget you’re most likely looking at laminate cabinets and bench top. You can also consider a reasonably priced wood bench top if you’re using IKEA or Kaboodle. I’ve just priced a simple kitchen and the local small cabinet maker’s quote for custom and installed was cheaper than supply only from IKEA. All laminate is basically the same, the names change between suppliers. I suggest the steps of deciding your rough layout and then using the ikea or Kaboodle planners to cost what a kitchen will cost as a DIY option. This will give you an idea of what your budget will get you in a basic spec kitchen. You can then take your rough layout to kitchen suppliers/cabinet makers for a quote. If you’re indecisive some time on one of the planners will help you get your thoughts in order. I also suggest you start a mood board or picture collection here on Houzz or Pintrest. A kitchen has a number of decisions you’ll need to make and having reference photos will save you brain pain. FYI stone bench tops for my simple L shape kitchen and 2 metre island added $5k to the quote.

Hi Belinda, to your question, I believe Granite is the best benchtop material you can use. We discuss in detail the reasons for this on our website link here. Closely following this option with slightly different price point is Engineered Stone (AKA Reconstituted Stone) as Dreamer has suggested. We also discuss the benefits of of Engineered Stone in this other link (along with other material types available). I hope these helps, Malcolm.

What do you mean by “sweat spots”? Is the panelling over a brick wall or timber studs? Is there correct insulation and waterproofing behind the panelling? Are the sweat spots just from steam from hot showers or is it surfactant leaching? Look at this article for information https://assets.ctfassets.net/j001bqnk84dk/eyMazqS0R6r8AosK0JAAb/85de0c55f78bec1c26f400d0182c3972/Surfactant_leaching.pdf