Having experienced a leaking shower, a step down sounds like a welcome added precaution, which seems rarely done. Supposedly if there is no hob or atepdown there is an angle, and obviously the whole thing is supposed to slope towards the drain anyway, but BeachBathrooms' earlier comment about capillary action rings true. It became obvious very quickly in our other shower that water was creeping across the grout outside the shower so whatever was meant to be done either wasn't or wasn't correctly done. Then there's the modern hotel bathrooms I've experienced where the water simply splashes out too easily. All in the name of style.

I have came across waterproof laminate floor with 15 years waterproof warrenty. Please see Quick Step Laminate Impresive Ultra floor boards. They look quite impresive. I am trying to decide between waterproof laminate and hybrid floor. Please see my post here https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/6004056/laminate-vs-hybrid-waterproof-floor-board#n=0 Can you please give your input?

Love it as is. Well done. The void above living will let on light, just be careful of not letting in the western light too much. So some way to shade house on the backyard end. would be good.

I would suggest Luxury Vinyl Tiles, especially for a kitchen where the floor could get wet.