Personally, I'd be very surprised if your builder allowed you to complete swap the placement of your living rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms between upstairs and downstairs at no additional cost. IF your builder is willing to do so, then I'd seriously consider making the swap. But, it would also depend upon your personal circumstances. If you have or are planning on having children, then you may prefer to be able to see them playing in the backyard while you're in the kitchen or living areas. If you're planning on installing a pool, then it may be easier when entertaining to have the kitchen and living areas on the ground floor. It appears that your upstairs kitchen and living areas would overlook a public tennis court. Are you happy for people on the court to be able to see into your living space? Are you happy to be in the kitchen or watching TV and hearing the repeated "thwack" of a tennis court hitting a ball and the excited shouts, grunts, etc of the players? Is it possible to reach a compromise by turning an existing bedroom on the upper floor into a second living room and potentially also including a deck or balcony onto that room? You could have a small wine/bar fridge upstairs and other than carrying a few snacks upstairs, you would be pretty sorted when entertaining.

Thank you all for your timely responses. I too have always enjoyed the convenience of my two ovens which can be used independently of each other, which is why I am seriously considering the 1.5 double oven option. I have also researched the idea of two compact ovens which include microwave and steam options, (Bosch, Miele, Smeg AEG etc) and was all excited about that idea, but to install two of these is far too expensive. ($5000+ minimum) The freestanding convection microwave options all stipulate minimum 10-20cm airflow at the top of the unit, and the ones that do come with trim kits still all end up being too large for the space...frustratingly, often by only 2 or 3 cm! And yes, I've also lusted after an induction cooktop, but the expense of chasing wiring down a solid brick wall and disrupting backsplash tiling has put the kybosh on that idea. Anyhow, I have slept on this (again!) and have come to the conclusion that a 1.5 oven without an integrated microwave is the only way available at a reasonable cost.... A small microwave inside a cupboard might just work.... It's both interesting and noteworthy that convection/microwave +/- steam, with regular multifunction oven combinations although expensive, are readily available in several brands in the US......I'm jealous!

Sorry for butting in but you guys have no idea what a steam oven is. Most people think that a steam oven is like a standalone steamer only in a oven form. It does more than steaming. A steam oven is an oven that does everything and more. You just have to know how to use it and stop blindly choosing Miele as if it’s the only brand that does steam or because your friends purchased one or worse that the salesman told you so. If you know which brand does steaming and more choose the inventors of a steam oven...... V-Zug Combi steam oven. Yes. V-Zug. If you don’t know the brand make it your business to know and go and see it in action. It’s a Swiss made Oven. It roasts , grills , regenerates and steams proofs bread and more. This is an unbelievable machine that does everything.

Need to know what boxes to tick to create an outdoor room that is comfortable, practical and reflects your individual style and personality? Read our tips for 5 ways to create an outdoor room that makes the most of your entertaining area, no matter the weather or time of day. 1. Fit for all seasons What is the point of an outdoor room if you can’t use it all year, or when the weather changes? This is when the right roofing or shelter comes in. Not only does it need to be weatherproof, but tough enough to last many years. This is where stainless steel roof sheet comes in, which not only looks great but is extremely strong. You can also opt for a more flexible roofing solution like our ‘Eclipse’ louvre roof, which allows you to adjust the panels, for more or less light – all at the touch of a button. There is also an insulated patio roofing option, which gives you year-round climate control and access to the alfresco life 365 days a year. 2. Cook up a storm Chances are you want to cook up a storm in your outdoor room, so make sure you plan what facilities you need. If you entertain a lot then you should consider going all out with an outdoor kitchen. Here an integrated oven or BBQ, cabinets, benchtops, fridge, sink, pizza oven and even a wine fridge (or 2) could all be on your wishlist. Products and materials need to be able to withstand exposure to the elements, so choose wisely. Stainless steel makes sense for cookware, with engineered stone or natural stone for benchtops, while cabinetry should be moisture resistant. You also need to plan the flow between your home’s kitchen and your outdoor room. Ideally access should allow foot traffic to move freely between both rooms. 3. Accessorise it We like to call all the accessories that make your outdoor room functional lifestyle extras, because often it’s the small things that make a difference. That means using it all year round and not waiting for the weather to be perfect. Here quality accessories like well-positioned downlights, heatstrips, fans and exterior blinds allow you to use the space no matter where the mercury is at. 4. Get it decked Having solid level surface underfoot is key to enjoying your outdoor room, and decking is a great option. We love hardwood timber, because it is tough, looks and feels great and has what it takes to absorb all the foot traffic you can throw at it. Popular timbers include Jarrah, Merbau, Spotted Gum and Blackbutt, as well as composite – which is a mix of plastic and timber fibres. Like the other elements of your outdoor room, you are likely to need planning permission for this, so check with your local council beforehand. 5. Screen your privacy Nosy neighbours a little close for comfort? Then you need a screen to give you some privacy while you enjoy your outdoor room. You have a number of options including timber slat, metal trellis, PVC or even bamboo. And privacy is not the only benefit you will get from a screen – they will also provide shade, shelter from gusts of wind and any eyesores you don’t want to see – like your neighbours fence