Thanks for all the ideas siriuskey - I like being challenged with some left field ideas I hadn't thought of before. For colour schemes we're thinking of a white marble Caesar top with warm white laminate cabinets on the island, then charcoal laminate cabinets against the wall. For splashback we're thinking a high gloss white caesar. This is all just our initial thoughts and we'll probably get the colour consultant back to help us refine those plans and tell us where we've gone wrong :) With regards to getting the rangehood in over the island, I don't think I could swing the industrial look first idea, but the roof-mounted box to bring it down closer to the island top could work. Mounting some downlights into it as well should make lighting more effective too! I'm also warming to your idea of wrapping the cabinetry around onto the return wall and housing the ovens there. It does mean they're a fair hike away from the fridge, but it gives us a LOT more cooktop space which more than likely outweighs spreading the "triangle" out so far. So much to think about! I'm loving all of the ideas though :) I've been thinking of building some seating into the bay window (we've had a couch JAMMED into our bay in the lounge room and its a messy look) so maybe a banquette seat (never knew thats what they're called haha) would work. I just need it to sit relatively low-profile against the wall so that it doesn't make the gap between the seat and island too tight to get through.

Would you consider two mixers, a lower one for the bath and a higher one for the shower so there is no confusion for visitors? Safety and ease of operation should be the highest priority when looking at mixers for shower/bath combinations. If you only want to have one mixer then make the height suitable for somebody having a shower. You don't want to be bending over to adjust the temperature when showering in a shower\bath. I usually design bath mixers and spouts centered on the wall of the long side of the bath so if you need extra hot water when you are having a long soak it is easy to reach. I have never heard of the requirement for a bath mixer to be at 700mm, although this could be a good height for a bath spout depending on the depth of your bath. Best of luck with your new bathroom, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Bathroom renos can be daunting as there are many things to consider and usually the space can be limiting. Free standing baths are stunning and come in many shapes and sizes. You have mentioned that you and the boys will use the bath, ensure you factor in the "users" height as this will determine the bath size and depth. Firstly is the plumbing remaining in the same position? Floor mounted bath mixers can be installed with a concealed under floor box or the above floor connection method. The concealed box method is advisable before the flooring is installed, and has the benefit of a lower profile floor plate, which is preferred. The above floor method may be done where the first approach is not possible. Free standing bath mixers visually create an impact when paired with the freestanding tub, ensure you have enough room around the tub as it will be difficult to clean if it sits too close to walls and or vanities etc..many freestanding bath mixers offer functional hand showers as well as the spout, ideal for washing soap out of kids hair. Would love to see a lay out of your bathroom to assist with tap ware placement. Good luck with your bathroom renovations, always happy to assist you. Carmen Collaborative Interiors

Get the drainage right, tap close to entry, shower rise high and mounted on short wall, should be fine.