If moving plumbing, etc is too much for your budget, why don't you leave existing kitchen where it is, open up the wall to the hallway and that bedroom that faces into the pool area. Close off a wall near the entrance/formal living room to replace the bedroom. Advantages are a) not moving expensive kitchen wiring, plumbing etc. Kitchen window still looks out into entrance to see comings and goings AND back to pool for informal living (maybe casual dining at an island seating area, casual sitting for pool). b) the existing dining, living room is a separate space (great when your kids are older to have two living options for noise isolation - adults in one, kids in the other). Both sets of rooms open off the entrance way, and that new bedroom can be the one you use as home office or guest (leaving other bedrooms for family).

I like all the garden ideas ( it does look a bit sparse and 'rental property' look about it IMO ) , with a low fence along the front , a wooden screen a couple of metres in front of the door , etc , BUT when I looked at the very first photo -- the wider angle one -- the one thing you notice first is the yellow marker post on the left hand side of the driveway fence . So take that as a cue , and paint the garage door a bright colour to stand out -- primary or metallic or trendy , just one that you like , and personally I'd probably change the curtains ( or even dye them ) to the same colour as the garage door . Right now , everything is various derivatives of off-white and red brown earth brick -- needs a decent spot of colour to lift the houses look IMO . Another option would be 'natural' timber blinds , especially if you had them the same shade of stain as the screen and the front fence , but I'd still do the garage door ( and maybe the guttering ) your current favourite colour .

Nice kitchen casdyson1! I rather like the idea of black handles, esp seeing your window frames are black and the track for sliding door is black; however, I do understand your hesitation. Out of those two samples, I prefer the Brushed Brass. It's prettier and the rounded design will feel better in your hand (ergonomic). It would be helpful to know what your backsplash will be, and if you plan any additional feature lighting in kitchen. It may alter my thinking.

Hi Kate, Lip pulls are quite small to grab. I agree with Paul's comments and that the finger marks, drips, food splashes, etc are going to happen anyway no matter what type of handle you have, especially on underbench doors/drawers. I had the same concern about the look of too many handles, and opted for a concealed fingerpull (or you could go for a concealed push mechanism) on overhead cupboards & handles on the under bench ones as in the photo below. I went for the long handles as they are easy to grab & open. It's nice to have some hardware as it's like an 'accessory' for your kitchen - gives a bit of 'bling' or contrast whether you go for traditional polished chrome, black, rose gold, etc. Best of luck for your renovation