Many suppliers will put dry clean only on their curtains (including the custom made ones) to protect themselves from people mishandling the fabrics and if there's a block out backing on the curtain then this might not be washable. Linen will shrink if you put it into a hot washer or dryer but as Julia has indicated linen is a beautiful fabric to use if you do the right thing by it - if your wanting linen for the block out use a fabric backing rather than a linen that has a coating and make sure that the block out fabric can be separated from your linen fabric (curtain makers will hate it as it's a nightmare double handling, but if you're going to spend a lot of money on linen and for them to be made, it's not unreasonable to request this.

Like everyone above here ^ LED downlights would be optimal for creating more task focused and general lighting in the space. Due to the nature of your pendant shadowing occurs when the light is on during the evening, this can make it hard to use certain bench space as task areas. If you are unable to do downlights (which can be the case for many customers) wall lights on your task areas would be the next best thing! Try using single spot lights above the areas you use as service spaces, spots that are adjustable would be great as it will allow you to adjust the lighting, be sure that whatever style you select that you pick something that doesn't glare at eye level as this will make it uncomfortable to work with. If you need more help feel free to reach out :) Good luck with your search be sure to post a photo of the final product!

We have to replace the plasterboard ceiling in our outdoor space due to the moisture issue with plasterboard outdoors. We are trying to decide between Colorbond, Fibro cement or plywood. Ceiling will be painted white and have a skylight or roof window to let in more light to back of the house. Would appreciate any suggestions or photos if anyone has done something similar

Hi Smita86 The Sarking under a steel roof is there not just as insulation or a Fire spark barrier but it is mainly there under steel rooves as a vapor barrier. In our cooler months, water condensation forms on the underside of the steel and will then drip onto the ceiling materials. The Sarking first reduces the amount of condensation that forms on the steel and also catches any drips; then allowing the water to disburse without causing damage to roof timbers or ceiling linings like ceiling Plasterboard which are not water proof. So in short, yes Sarking really is quite important over the long term. Hope this helps, Malcolm.