Hi sammsymes78, I think that a vinyl product will suit your needs a lot better from an aesthetic, practicality and functionality view point. I would be concerned about the use of bamboo in wet areas. Karndean, Gerflor and Godfrey Hirst all have great vinyl plank products that are either glued to the floor surface or loose laid over the substrate and come in a terrific range of colours. (Link to image showing use of vinyl plankl in recent project here)You are sure to find something very close to the colour you are looking for in once of these ranges. Sheet vinyl would also be suitable (Link to image showing use of sheet vinyl in recent project here) I'm not sure where you are located, but if there is one near you I suggest you contact a Delta FloorWorld Store. They stock all of these products and will be able to recommend something suitable. All the best, Jo Powell 3 Pea's Property Styling

Thanks LesleyH. It's music to my ears since our place is on concrete. Of all the houses listed on Domain, I'm yet to come across one with vinyl flooring for whole house or most part of the house, so it's still bugging me a little. Went into carpet court last weekend they use vinyl display on their own shop floor and there are a lot of gaps between vinyl planks, which doesn't look enticing. The salesperson explained this is due to poor floor prep and the site is prone to water issue, which as tenant they can't fix. Certainly not a good look to convince potential buyer.

Thank you robandlyn. I am definitely leaning towards the karndean especially for the kids. I might use it for a splashback?? hi the interior therapist. Thank you for your reply. The budget that was put into our build (by the builder) makes hardwood floors an extra $23k. Although the 600 x 600 are expensive to lay it still comes in at less than half the price including bathrooms. We had hardwood in our last house, I liked it but it scratched and dented with chairs and kids dragging their sandy bikes inside. i am worried that I will choose the tile and hate the cleaning and potential slippery accidents in summer but I worry about the look of karndean....... is it very plasticky? I have some samples but it's very hard to tell from such a small piece. Is the tile we have chosen too 'busy' for all areas? Maybe I have really bad taste and it's an ugly tile lol Thanks so much for all your help guys :)

So much potential here. Start by buying an interiors magazine eg "inside out". Choose something in a slick modern style in colours you like. Now find a similar colour palette already put together... If you are new to decorating, grab an interiors paint decorating catalogue from bunnings and choose a colour scheme out of it that more or less matches the inpiration magazine pics. Now collect samples of bench tops from kaboodle in bunnings... again use your magazine inspo as a guide for something similar. You can paint the cabinetry with white knight paints..see cherie barber youtube clip on how to. Update tapware to modern black. Curtains ..for starters..try to get off the rack s old sheers from freedom. Black or white or neutral .