I couldn't tick one or the other of the boxes – I think the choice has to be made contingent on so many variables. In fact we have painted timber, double-glazed bifolds (with a fabulous retractable pleated fly-screen) at the end of the dining room leading out onto a terrace and a painted timber, double-glazed slider (with a timber-framed sliding fly-screen) on the other side of the kitchen (but on the same axis) opening onto a raised timber deck. Each works really well in terms of function and aesthetics but they would not be interchangeable as the different locations determined which was more suitable – but they have been made by the same highly skilled window craftsman and have given us nothing but pleasure. And on a hot, steamy evening with both open we have the most wonderful cross ventilation.

Couple cases here Luke, I taught my son how to cook at least the basics that he liked, steaks, salads, veggies he loved. I also taught him how to do his own laundry and certain minor repairs and improvements to his clothes.. 7 years ago he and his girlfriend of the time were up. He got very upset, because he said she did not need operating instructions. Apparently all his women think he does not know how to do anything. Hubby #1 and #2 have both had me cook for them for years, 10 for the first and 21 for the second. Don't get me wrong, they both chop, nobody likes to see me with a knife in my hand. hubby one liked salads so he learned to make dressing. he probably did something else too, but i do not remember. Hubby 2 same way, a way too hot chili, washing up, chopping, spaghetti sauce, steak. He had to do all the cooking for over 3 years due to Big C. I forgot how many things i don't like til he started his short order navy cook ways. Uggh I am so glad that I am well enough to at least start the meal, he normally does the last couple stirs and serves. In the summer, i actually would cook the whole thing sometimes. Now I guess when you divorce you have to take parting shots, especially if you are the one in the wrong. First hubby made 2 "There is such a thing as being too good a cook" and the other one was equally ridiculous in my opinion! Serve we now our favorite foods... Making sure it sweetens our tudes.... Falalala lalala!

How about giving Qasair/Condari a call. Head office is in VIC which should be close enough for Ballarat. http://www.condari.com.au/custom-made-special-rangehoods/

Hi Suzanne The panelling in Perth is usually done with (believe it or not) Cedar panels / planks which are then prepped and painted. Most of the high end work is done this way. You can do it in MDF however and any good chippie will make it work. We recently restored a 100 year home in a Hamptons Style home and all of the stair well panels were cedar also. The second storey panelling we did had to be fabricated in MDF to get the detailed sizes and other than the dents in the old (from many years of enthusiastic use) you can't tell the difference. For skirting, a lot of the profiles are made up as one offs by builders that are used as a kind of signature. The same with doors. We made new solid doors to match the old at a timber joiner. The skirting and door profiles are usually made up by executive doors and mouldings in Malaga. They have a good range for you to start with as does Subiaco Restorations in Osborne Park. Cheers