I like the black tapware too. But will it be as classic and timeless as standard chrome in a few years or will it just date the rooms. I like things that are out of the ordinary too but will it stand the test of time? I'd stick with chrome personally but use high quality that will last for years. The Rose Seidler house was ahead of it's time back when it was built and was definitely out of the ordinary yet its a classic that has never wavered.......

We installed a Zip system during our kitchen renovation- the filtered boiling, chilled and soda. We LOVE it! Having the hot water at a moments notice is amazing. Not only do we find we're drinking more tea (great thing for health), but we use it to soak things, heat up cooking quicker, etc. I probably use it 10x a day! We start our day off with hot lemon water w/ apple cider vinegar- it's so nice to have it at our fingertips! I saw the comment about being too hot... the beauty is that you have the chilled water with the push of a button. So I know that I fill my Yeti just under 2/3 with the boiling water and then flip the function and top it off with chilled water. I can drink it instantly. The chilled filtered water is a bit noisy, but in a house with kids, dog, lots of activity... it doesn't bother us. I also saw the comment about filling Britas... with kids that play sports, filling up water bottles constantly is so much easier right from the tap. And they want cold water. They did need to reorganize the plans for the cabinet to make room for it under the sink, but it really wasn't a big deal. I also had to adjust the bubbles to get a higher volume b/c we like our soda water fizzy- it was not difficult. We were avid Soda Stream users... this is SO much easier. We used to plow through Co2 cartridges so fast with the Soda Stream. And then you have to send them back to recycle them. The tech for Zip said we'll probably have to change out the Co2 on this unit once a year. I would say that if you're going to use it- it's definitely worth the money, space and noise.

The kitchen of the managers house attached to the 1885 Bank building was in urgent need of renovation. Amoungst other things, the psychedelic wallpaper on the ceiling (from an update in the 1970's - I assume) had to go, along with the green cupboard doors, etc. It needed to be a high-end renovation, but without the high-end price tag, so the purchase of 28 sq.m. of "Ambrosia" marble tiles from Greece on eBay for $800 was a good start. The pattern for the Ambassador Stone benchtop was matched to the tiles, along with the colour of the cupboard doors and walls, and the order was placed with Valley Kitchens in Shepparton. Interestingly, the original butlers servery was still in the kitchen, and to keep it in the existing location meant that it dictated the height of all the overhead cupboards. All of the demolition and preparation work was carried out by me (to save some dollars), and apart from some minor cuts and bruises, it all went to plan. The cracks in the walls and ceiling were repaired, and the walls and ceiling painted in preparation for the installation of the cupboards and benchtops. The old lino floor tiles and masonite underlay was then lifted, revealing that all of the staples had solidly bound themselves to the floorboards, and had to be individually removed. Plumbing and electrical preparations were next, with the location of the sink being moved from the middle of a wall, to in front of a window (which appears to be where it was originally.) The 1970's backsplash above the sink and in the fireplace consisting of white ceramic wall tiles were removed, and an adventuresome plan for acrylic backsplashes was conceived. Six weeks from the quotation date the cupboards were being installed, and the following day laying of the marble tiles was commenced by local expert Richard Watkins. In the meantime, the concept designs for the backsplash were sent to Akril for their feedback, and after some toing and froing, a final design was agreed. The day the floortiles were finished, the backsplashes arrived, and were also installed by Richard. They looked amazing!! The pattern on them was an old map of the Euroa township from the 1800's, overlayed with photos of the Bank building from the late 1800's and early 1900's, and there was 8 separate pieces in total, all cut exactly to size. They completely complemented the cupboards and benchtops, as well as the butlers sink, antique taps, original butlers box and bells, and servery. To add some modern touches a Bosch dishwasher, a 900mm Westinghouse induction cooktop, a 900mm Delongi oven, and new pendent light from Schots were installed. The overall completed look is absolutely unique, and has totally exceeded the original concept. I hope you agree from the photos on my member name under Likatibro.

I understand the beam being installed when you did your earlier extension as that was an external wall, that's why I have suggested keeping part of the wall next to the island which was also an external wall, to support this, I will check this in the drawing to ensure it lines up for you. By opening up this wall as much as possible you are allowing more light back into the house The cost of running plumbing across I think is negative/comparable to moving the plumbing for the re positioned laundry and kitchen and removing any load bearing walls. Storage in the new kitchen is a big 2900 x 900 island of drawers for easy access, I have added a wall oven but that could become a 600 pantry with drawers in the lower part with a shelf above for small appliances. The wall with the TV could be a wall of narrow built in storage to be used in any way you need. This floor plan gives better flow between kitchen/family.dining/alfresco and better for unloading the car with the driveway running down beside the kitchen and verandah