How much laundry do you do? For example, I have kids, so cupboards would need to be very accessible. But if you mostly do it on the weekends and yuo have somewhere for storing the dirty washing, then cupboard laundry sounds like a great use of space. What about noise? Will that be a problem with the open living space? Sometimes when the fridge hums, the dishwasher whirls and swishes and the washing machine spins, we have rouble hearing the to at night! Another option could be to stick it in the garage at the back wall, and place shelving all around. Stuff doesn't have to be perfect! And a spot of paint could make it bright!

Shifting the laundry will create a larger laundry and allow for a 'kids bedroom zone' with better access to bathroom for all 3 minor bedrooms. Place the rumpus where dinning is. This can be separated or use the great sliding wall/door idea. It also allows view from kitchen. I agree with moving the fridge and creating a more open WIP. This also allows for a WI Linen - which could be opened up to the mud room, or even a powder room. I found the front living room to be an awkward size and shape so did a slight rearrange in that area. This gives the Living Room access to the north facing patio/outdoor area, tying all the living spaces together while keeping them seperate.

i believe a rug padding may minimise fading. I would go for 100% Jute in natural colour, ( the colour you would see in a cane basket). Temple and Webster have a large selection of affordable rugs. I have heard if you Wait at least 3 months for floors to cure before placing a rug, it May minimise fading.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. @bigreader at this stage of our lives we don't feel we need a designated drop zone as our kids are all grown up. However, if we ever sell I'm sure a drop zone could be created either in the 7x7 garage or in the multipurpose room that we have designated on the floor plan as a games/gym room. I'm also sure that a sideboard drop zone in the entry would meet the needs of any visitors to our home. @oklouise when I do the measurements for the kitchen/dining/living I don't usually include the hallway in those measurements but if I was to include them the size of each of these areas would be 6.2m x 4.0m, which allows 5.0m for the kitchen wall space. Is this incorrect? We have also chosen to replace the Media Room with an outdoor patio/deck as we believe this will be a beautiful area to sit during the cooler months. The patio/deck will also allow more light into the living areas which is what we are trying to achieve. Re: the master bedroom - it has been moved to the western side of the house where the WIR and Ensuite will protect it from the late afternoon sun. We thought this location would be best considering the orientation of the house on the block and also not wanting to have any of the other living areas or other bedrooms on the western side of the house. If you have any alternative suggestions please share. The floor plan is currently the size we are looking at, not anything bigger - approximately 360m2 on my rough calculations. @siriuskey the room next to the garage has been designated as a Gym/Games/Media Room - in other words a multipurpose room, that I'm sure could be used as a drop zone/mud room if needed. The only people coming through the entry will be visitors, for which a sideboard in the entry will be used as a drop zone. Once again, thank you all for the feedback; it is much appreciated :)