Okay, so as expected the matt suede surface is more expensive, not sure how much yet but when the builder says price on application, I can imagine it will be a fair bit more. Anyway, we'll see but something to take into consideration I guess... In the meantime, I was going through my idea books and found the photo below, which I kind of forgot about but is one of my absolute favourite kitchens... the point is just like the photo, we too will have a wall cabinet in matt black, the back of the island in matt black and oak floor boards in a natural/textured matt finish... so now I'm thinking maybe too many matt surfaces, interestingly they have gone with a polished stone top which I think is reflecting the light nicely... Our floors...

I think I just became better at creating aesthetically pleasing storage solutions within main living zones. I was generally a "everything has a place" kind of person and pre children that place was always as out of sight as possible. When I had children I then had a bunch of 'stuff' that didn't have a place and that 'stuff' had to be front and centre in my kitchen/dining/living space which was a tough gig for me. I learnt how to incorporate children's toys/play zones/soft fall into my living area without feeling like my home was styled by my under 2's.

I haven't read through all the posts but to me the first thing I saw was that you could continue the wall between the staircase and bedroom right through the bathroom to the outside wall, removing the bath altogether then remove the existing wall between the bathroom and ensuite. Next (presuming your plan is drawn to scale) theres room to rearrange your ensuite by putting the basin on the outside wall and moving the toilet and shower over to allow space to build a new wall allowing more room on the other side for the wiw. You could also remove the wall between the existing robe and ensuite and bathroom, giving even more rooom in both the enusite and the bathroom - or in your bedroom. Personally I prefer the ensuite as close to the robe as possible as opposed to the other end of the bedroom - solely for ease of use - finding clothes, dressing etc after showering etc. Also it would drive me nuts having to walk through my wardrobe to enter the bed room - no matter how tidy you may be, a wardrobe always ends up with shoes, shopping bags or whatever on the floor etc and if its your entry to the bedroom you can NEVER shut the door and worry about that later... Good Luck :)

Hi, In the bedroom, I think I would rotate the bed so that the head is on the wall on the left as you look at the plan.Personally. I would keep the bedhead and style some pillows /cushions in front of it.