Hi, I have to agree with rwalton5 with regard to the use of space set aside for the boot/ bag area. While the idea of the area is great, it really needs to be located in a more appropriate area of the house. Perhaps in the entry or laundry area. I do have a suggestion for your choice of fridge. I own and operate an Agri tourism business and was suprised when setting up a commercial type kitchen at the reasonable cost of commercial fridges. These fridges are built to take the wear and tear of busy kitchens with multiple users, much the same as a large family. I was able to store large water containers with tap, large platters and large plastic tubs to house fruit and vegetables. I can remember thinking at the time how ideal this option would be for a large family. I was able to install a much larger commercial fridge at a lower price than I could buy from a regular retailer. My thoughts are that you would then be able to fit a large chest freezer in your butlers pantry. While chest freezers are not fashionable, they provide the room you require for buying / freezing bulk groceries. Good luck with your plans!

While brass door hinges are commonplace at Bunnings, I think that Babajate is looking for specialised brass hinges for a glass shower door, possibly a frameless glass door? Normal brass hinges for timber doors and door frames aren't going to work. I don't know if brass glass door hinges are actually available in Australia, so as an alternative have you considered matt black hinges, which won't clash like polished chrome hinges?Best of luck on your hunt, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Pure mineral stone would be my pick, from the two laminate colours mentioned. The Caravelle tiles are the feature, so you would not want a bench top that will compete for attention.

I did get a guy out to give me a quote on cleaning and painting the roof. He said he will have to quote it using scaffolding because of the steep roof. That was a couple of weeks ago, but haven't heard back from him yet. I have seen some bad paint jobs of terracotta tiles so am a bit nervous about getting it painted. I wouldn't mind if my tiles were just slightly darker like yours rather than orange, but I do know that the darker they are, the more they will hold heat and Brisbane is hot.