Pretty much all the advice we were going to suggest has already been given - this is why we love Houzz so much! A full 'Houzz' of top notch advice :) The only thing we would say, in addition to good soil and planting with the seasons, is to keep on top of the weeds and make sure you're planting the right herbs/edible plants where the sun is right. Weed mats are a great option, and others swear buy mulch/grass clippings too! We have some garden items that may help - like trellis', frost covers, mulch mats, etc. Check out the garden solutions range here. Also, here's a short post about the benefits of having shade in the garden. We're excited to see how your garden goes! Please share progress shots with us!

Hmm, 200mm diameter is about the size of a side plate, 300mm dinner plate and after a quick look at a few sink brands (eg Clark they seem to all be closer to 400mm). I did comea Cross this one but have no idea of the brand quality http://www.swanstreet.com.au/CM1-Undermount-Single-Bowl-6L-Small-Bar-Sink-330-x-200-x-125mm~3600

White kitchens are neutral, they go with everything, so I don't think they'll ever be out of fashion. The "dark recycled black plastic sinks" sound horrible, and this is the first I've heard of that trend.

Don't look at fashion, but look at how you currently work in your kitchen. In all of the kitchen photos on Houzz there is never even a dirty coffee cup out of place. Think about your household - are they all trained to put dirty crockery straight in the dishwasher? Do you wash big saucepans and let them air-dry? Where does dirty crockery stack while the dishwasher is going through a cycle? Thinking about your households current kitchen tidiness may help you decide about the size and number of sinks and drainers, as well as if the island bench is the right place to display this clutter? Your new kitchen should last another twenty five years - don't spend it regretting that you should have spent a bit extra to move the plumbing! Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls