Any advice if I try to figure out some of this myself? I found this website http://www.ikeasaudi.com/ikea.com.sa/images/stories/new2010/Web%20BG%202011/Kitchen/FAKTUM/FAKTUM_bg_GB.pdf Its overwelming for me. Did you use the online ikea design tool. I love your color scheme. How did you decide on that granite? I found this website too . Perhaps those cabinets are not available here but just where you are. either way I can find something similiar. Did you have any issues with ordering..getting parts.. assemely? Do you have any helpful tips for designing ? Did you actually hang them yourself? Is there anything about the cabinets that you find defective or insufficient or think could be better? Thank you so much for all your help.

The new windows look fantastic Laura! With a QLD summer well on the way no doubt you'll be patting yourself on the back extra for these new windows. On that topic, just wanted to ask if you had thought about how to keep that classic Brisbane sun out of the house to reduce the heat? If you wanted to keep the airflow going I wanted to suggest some wooden venetians perhaps? Alternatively, block out roller blinds, but considering the airflow venetians would be more convenient. Some inspiration for you below :) These are DIY install blinds you can purchase and have cut to size at Bunnings.

Different rooms will need diff solutions. You can hang blinds on the windows themselves or mount blinds or curtains on wall above window, just make sure they are mounted out far enough for the window to be tilted open and with curtains that you can draw them back clear of the window to allow it to swing open. Looks like you have wall space in the living pictured.

Add furniture and consider your window coverings. You have a lot of large windows. Do you really need say the highlight window in activity room, the windows to study? …