I'm not here to argue, but an approved plan can be resubmitted as a variation for approval. The blind acceptance of an approval limits your creativity, and the clients ability to obtain the best possible solution. This problem requires thinking outside the box which is what we have offered. The client must decide if the process and cost of approval of a variation is worthwhile. They shouldn't live there wondering if only we had done this or done that due to a blind acceptance that once approved there can be no variations. Realistically everything that has been suggested should result in the need to seek an approval especially when changes to plumbing are considered. Erase what you are not happy with and redesign that space without the shackles of poor space planning. You don't have to like my suggestion but don't limit yourself either.

Personally I would always go for a consistent style throughout the house if at all possible. Expensive if you have to make a lot of changes to achieve it. I guess it comes down to how much it bothers you.

Thanks for the opinions. The mixer does look much more sleek. I remember when I was is Japan the showers seemed to be a horizontal bar with one handle controlling the temp and the other controlling the flow rate. Is that the kind of thing you refer to Black Bamboo? I must say they were the best showers I have had in my life. So powerful and perfect temperature! Do you think that having a mixer reduces water pressure, being that both cold and hot travel through the same pipe. Or is that not true?

Yes, you can cut the silicon with a Stanley knife and clean underneath. Once you have it out you can see how it was attached. Most have clips these days and replacements are available from Bunnings and pop back into place. Plenty of YouTube videos on removal and replacement.