Hi Carl, you are right about the possibility of hazardous material but unfortunately our budget just doesn't extend to replacing them (at this stage). We have a few more pressing issues to deal with first (leaky sunroom roof, subfloor ventilation system not ideal, drainage problems in the yard) so cosmetics come last. However, I didn't think of replacing the doors or altering them so that's good news. They are actually handmade ( by their old neighbour who was a carpenter) so I am hoping that they're actual timber and not particle board. I know the two in the other rooms are (I'll upload a photo when I take one, they're quite beautiful) but this one looks like maybe it was added in at a later time and maybe not made by the guy next door. I'll have to think more on it. Hard when we haven't moved in yet - I'm just going on photos at the moment! The memory nook is a lovely idea. My daughter would love it. Thanks again for all the suggestions. I also like the idea of using the space between it and the wall.

This floor plan has a single garage, with bedrooms grouped together at the front of the house, the Music Room has been moved to the rear away from the bedrooms as it would make too much noise for those sleeping. It can now be opened up to the family kitchen dining, courtyard and Alfresco and can be used as a play room(/ guest room) giving children great indoor out door play area in view of parents. There's a study with a similar view. A powder room closer to the rear of the house for easy access, The main bathroom is done Japanese style. The master suite has the WIR between the bed and the ensuite, no noise etc when in use to disturb anyone. I have made the passage way extra wide and more like a room which has a linen cupboard, you could certainly make this narrower and add to the bedrooms if you wished, This comes to 204.5 sq m. cheers

You could consider custom joinery that actually looks freestanding - purposefully creating a gap from the edge of the fireplace surround to the wardrobe & on the wall side also. This would also mean that it really does not matter if the front of the cupboards do not align with the front of the fireplace. Adding a nicely detailed leg, and a feature handle (you can get some really unique Australian made ones these days) to give some visual interest to the otherwise minimal finishes. Keep it simple & classic so it ages with your child's taste and preferences. As an example, The Design Files recent article has an image of a cupboard in a lounge area, that could be adapted to two double door units on either side of the fireplace https://thedesignfiles.net/2019/10/interiors-house-p-cjh-studio/. Seems perfect for a child of any age, or even if you want to convert the room to a more 'grown up purpose' once they leave home ;-)

Don't look at fashion, but look at how you currently work in your kitchen. In all of the kitchen photos on Houzz there is never even a dirty coffee cup out of place. Think about your household - are they all trained to put dirty crockery straight in the dishwasher? Do you wash big saucepans and let them air-dry? Where does dirty crockery stack while the dishwasher is going through a cycle? Thinking about your households current kitchen tidiness may help you decide about the size and number of sinks and drainers, as well as if the island bench is the right place to display this clutter? Your new kitchen should last another twenty five years - don't spend it regretting that you should have spent a bit extra to move the plumbing! Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls