Hi Tia, they are bamboo. They are actually textured as they are real bamboo, not a laminate copy of bamboo. Although it is still on a layer of wood underneath! If that makes sense? I love the texture! The white cupboards are two pack, I think! :)

Firstly, thank you all so much for your thoughts. Will answer in turn. Vy... That is definitely something I had considered too. Given that our current apartment master bedroom is next to the nursery and we wish now that there was some separation. Will definitely ask the designer if they can move things around at all. The reason the master is at the end (or far right when looking at the plans), is that the views to the right (or North West) is a key feature as it overlooks a lake. This was the primary reason for the L (or T) shaped house. Hopefully the designer can move around the rooms to add some privacy but keep the master at the end. Daryl... Firstly, your plans are great. I am building within a few km's of you too. What a great place to live :) That's a great idea with the removal of a hallway and have the spare room accessible from the breezeway and through the bathroom. It could definitely save us some room. Also this could allow me to make the office slightly larger too, so it could be considered an extra bedroom for resale value. The only problem I can think of is that if someone wanted to access the bathroom from inside, they would need to come through the office. My office is always a bit of a personal space (pretty messy for guests to walk through), and if I'm working in there I wouldnt want to be interrupted. I guess people could just go outside and walk around. Will run it past the designer anyway. I also agree with the entry gate. This was something we definitely wanted to change as it looks a bit awkward and not quite fitting with the angled roof etc. Will see what other options they come up with. With the fence planned where the (current) gatehouse is, do you envisage the fence just hitting a right angle there and then running along the decking to that further set back entryway you suggested? Kjs.. Reasonably hot summers in Northern NSW. The back deck probably wont get used too much. The deck facing the pool/North will be the primarily used deck. The views out the back are just quite nice (looks out on to bushland) and this is where the kids play area will be, so thats why we wanted windows looking out that way. I can't quite picture what you mean with the moving to an L Shape to avoid the sun. Have you seen a similar design somewhere you could link? Would be great to look at some different options. Great suggestions re the pool/bathroom connection. Perhaps with Daryls suggestion for the bathroom being linked to outside (with two way doors inside) this will be achievable. Cover over entry gate if the entry gate stays is also a great idea. Some excellent suggestions guys. Keep them coming! Cheers

My rough scratch , I think there's wasted space in the Master ensuite/WIR, by moving that along allows more space for the WIP/Laundry/Powder Room. I think you really need to consider a separate toilet as the others aren't very convenient. Move Fridge oven cook top. You mention a family of five so I think a study computer space with storage would be ideal to keep an eye on the kids while you are preparing meals, it also gives more room in the family area etc. A rear entrance via the laundry/WIP for easy acces from the car under the covered breezeway? I have also extended the wall into the Master for more privacy, I would even consider sliding panels to close the bed off from the entrance. cheers

i put the bathroom next to the master to have the bathroom door off the short hallway rather than opening into the retreat and if you draw a line across the floor in your original plans to make a path where you will walk and leave space for furniture you will see that despite the size of the retreat it was just like a big hallway with no where for comfortable furniture arrangements and i would double check with the Solar panel supplier to confirm the ideal roof angle... double glazed windows (or thermal break double glazed are better but much more expensive) but windows can't exclude the worst of the summer heat without external window coverings and big areas of east and west glass will impact your compulsory BASIX ratings and playpens and baby gates across the top and bottom of the stairs makes everyone safer and also useful to keep small kids out of open plan kitchens