Hi there, having recently been through a similar decision process for our Reno I can really recommend ordering the Dulux A4 samples. They are made with the real paint on them so you can move them around from room to room to see exactly what it will look like without having a heap of swatches painted on the wall. They have a sticker backing but I used blu-tac so 8 could move them over and over. Good luck

padded pelmets are a great option!! They are not out of date given the amount that I do for my clients!!! If you like the verticals do not change them. It looks like there is a considerable gap between the cornice and the top of the verticals, so dont feel compelled to fit the pelmet all the way up to the ceiling. Keep the pelmet about 25cm in depth and make sure the track section of the verticals are covered. Cover them in a plain but textured fabric that wont date and consider a contrast piped edge. They will not make your room look smaller.

Hey Nik Star, I've had a PowerPoint play with oklouise's edits. This is what I meant about garage entry to the pantry and a laundry in the garage. The red arrows are to stipulate to the builder that level access is required. I added extra garage depth to allow for the garage, that would definitely impact your facade elevation. If you remove the wall between the butler's pantry and mudroom you would have a SUPER PANTRY! But a true butler's pantry in that it was supposed to be where you would land with the veg from the garden so you would kick your shoes off inside the door, so I've noted a little bench seat there, then head in and wash it before heading over to the actual cooking area. Then if you get rid of the sliders and reduce the storage to shallow shelving on the middle wall you would have plenty of space to manoeuvre with mobility devices. For the washing labour machines - washer, dryer, dishy - try getting those mounted on plinths so the load on your poor back is reduced. I have dodgy joints so I am researching all the ergonomic ways to design work spaces to help me when I get to the awesome stage you guys are at with getting to build!

Nothing really beats external shading, stopping the air between the glass and the window furnishings from heating up so much in the first place. The glazing of course also matters. Do you have double glazing and/or low-e glass? The internal window coverings are the last line of defence and in my experience there's always some hot air coming around the edges.