There are lots of tile options these days - if grout is a worry why not consider a solid-surface panel which is a full sheet (so no grout lines) that is cut to size. There are quite a few options around that are rated for bathroom use so try a google search to see what comes up. Large format tiles are an easy way to give the impression of more space, but other design tricks are also possible (such as laying tiles in a vertical or horizontal pattern to make the walls feel taller and the floor feel longer or wider). Talk to a qualified bathroom designer as they are the most up to date on the latest products and how they can be applied to your space. They'll also be able to give you some good advice on how to incorporate elements that suit the style of the house without making it feel too enclosed. Good luck.

We built about ten years ago. If you've ever read Susan Susanka's books about the "not so big house" concept, that's where we were coming from. The attention went into the efficient design of the house in relation to topography and orientation, and into the quality of fittings. We didn't want to have rooms we didn't use. So, 165 sq m, 3 bedrooms (one became the study), a small but very efficient g- shaped kitchen, open living/dining. We did have two bathrooms - one en suite, the other a combined bathroom /laundry - but while both had showers, neither had a tub. Bathrooms without tubs aren't very marketable to families with young kids, admittedly, but older folk often prefer showers. I do yhink having only one bathroom is problematic, but sticking with 3 beds, no study, isn't. We have an aging population looking for smaller, better houses.

oklouise thanks for the ideas. We have actually really thought about the zoning. We want the two bedrooms on the southern side with a bathroom between for privacy. We also want the eastern lounge room to pop out as a dining room in that spot will waste a gorgeous view. We had a straight alfresco and thought it was all a bit hohum. I will attach the first and second drafts to see where we have come from. The first draft we had drawn was too boring for us ... Garry hated draft 2 as he thought it was too wide for solar access and didn't give cross ventilation (north to south or vv). It's only positive was the flow of west/east cross ventilation. Also the bathroom was too tucked away for guest use when we are using that nice alfresco area. We quickly scrapped all those ideas... LOL As I said, we like skillion roof lines and are planning on clerestory windows to maximise northern sun. Some raked ceilings will probably happen too (and definitely 9 foot ceilings in living areas). the mudroom/laundry will probably be incorporated into the hallway. Unlike some on this forum previously I don't object to entering through the laundry. It kind of gives a landing spot for groceries from the car on those cold days you don't want to leave the whole house open. The garage may actually be a carport to ensure we can have ventilation come through that way and to help us with budget.

not good for the morning after!! although I could live with a feature wall or floor like the first one but not both, and, is that a wooden bucket on a hinged bracket in the shower??? thanks for sharing