Gal will go grey (mid to dark grey) over 12 - 18 months. Initially VERY bright. The energy absorbed changes accordingly, from sub 5% absorbed to ~35%. Zinc maintains brightness for longer, though still suffers some dulling. Say 5% to 15% over time. This can be avoided by coating with a product called 'Sharkhide' metal protectant, used to stop aluminium boats oxidising. For there reasons many councils will not allow zinc or gal roofing (visual amenity, reflection issues), while making the houses more prone to requiring summer aircon at the same time. Surfmist Colorbond starts around 9% absorbed. If purely for energy reasons, a light colour might be the only option. If going dark, I would suggest at least doing the 'less aesthetically important' sides and rear in a light colour. Your call. If you go all dark, ensure you have good roof space ventilation for the summer that can be closed in the winter, and lots of well installed ceiling level insulation. Spray foam is more reliable over time than batts, see Spray It Solutions or similar (they have the Formaldahyde free Canadian Icenene foam).

As a real estate agent I have seen plenty of kitchens, of all the kitchen bench tops essa stone benches seem to be the best they don't stain, very hard wearing almost don't scratch and if they do it is easy to repair. Ceaserstone seems to be more pouris and requires more care.

Though I don't know for certain, I think the cotton/linen shades are removable. I wasn't able to determine this by my searches. This could easily be confirmed by making an enquiry to supplier before purchase. Alternatively, a handmade one could be made removable by making shade slightly larger than frame and making ties.

When we went shopping for dining chairs we had difficulty finding a style that was comfortable for everyone because of different leg lengths. I agree with the advice that you really need to try the chairs to find what's comfortable for you. I think your chairs look fine, simple and versatile, but their suitability might depend on what else you put in the room. I noticed one has a chair pad so is it too low or not soft enough for someone? How keen are you for a pendant light? It doesn't look like the existing lights line up with the table? So if you were to change to a pendant light there would be some patching and repainting of the ceiling involved. There's a ceiling vent to factor in also. If you have looked at the lighting stores' websites and not seen a light that you really like is that effort worthwhile? Could you post a sketch please. That will also help us understand traffic flow through the space. Is that the edge of your existing sideboard at the bottom left of the picture? Or the edge of a kitchen bench? Is that a sofa in front of it? Does that need to stay? What do you need to place/store in the room or would the console be purely decorative? Are you sure about the dimensions? My first thought was 4.9 isn't small yet the picture looks small. Then I realised it might be the angle of view and I noticed the sofa which means the room must be longer than it looks.