Working as a plumbing showroom consultant for many years (past life) I dealt with many architects and designers. All used different product. Offen depends on client/budget. Usually best to give them (suppliers) an idea of what you want and they will come up with value for money options and know what brands offers decent aftersales care. . minimal fuss... As for exact brands.. that will depend on where you shop or have accounts with. Once you find your sales person.. you will be in business. over the 14 years I was in that industry I helped many-a-design student with assignments, many of which I then received many orders from! ! Any standout service you have received? ?

Do you want modern or classic look. China white for classic it changes from grey-to light greenish colour I have it in the same facing room, or for more contemporary try Big white from Taubmans , it's a white with a bit of grey in it very soft. With your grey sofa I would stay away from darker greys and north facing room can make it really dark in the afternoon.

There's a move away from gas to the extent that new suburbs where I live are not even being provided with gas mains. Evap cooling when we researched some time back required some windows open and I remember people complaining about that during last summer's smoke. Regardless of which systems you choose, I could not agree more with oklouise, start with good solar passive design and insulation, that's the most efficient way of reducing the reliance on and cost of heating and cooling systems.