I meant to say earlier.. I LOVE what you're doing with this house! There may be a few products of interest in this [article[(https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/12-hot-kitchen-trends-set-to-sizzle-in-2016-stsetivw-vs~53600916). (Namely, Neolith and textured laminex.) What dimension are the drawer fronts? I don't know how practical tile would be but there are such thin ones on the market now and large format also. So possibly could one tile for entire drawer front??? This is example of a vinyl wallpaper that looks like grass cloth. My hesitation with something like this is if overly textured, it will become a grease trap. Example of burlap between glass.

petapea Thank you so much for the comments and research... I have thought long and hard about this .. for days! You know what I agree with you.. Shelving without any bits and bobs on it, above a window looks great, but I have visited a few homes with shelving (without windows) that is actually lived in and not a display home and it does look busy, and cluttered. I have decided to go a polytec black wenge, full height cabinets to the ceiling, sophisticated , warm, and clean. ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG. There I have jumped over to the dark side.

Hi siriuskey, House plans going okay but shelved for a while, when son gets back from working away he can find out more on rules and regulations just so we don't have plans drawn then find no go with local council. I have taken on board your suggestions about the outdoor area re roof I like the slats and they should give good shade. I have always liked the look of ply and we will price that vs other materials. Hi LesleyH, Thanks for that suggestion I'm about to google Bondor insulated panels now

Hi Aria, this method of installation is standard within the industry, otherwise you'd be paying $$$ for additional stone that won't be seen from any ordinary viewing angles. Even my 50mm thick laminated kitchen bench top has the raw board exposed underneath - its hand laminated so they only apply surfaces where necessary to reduce the cost. It's handy to know your concerns like this; I can then forewarn my clients to know what to expect :-)