I went through that last year. And, whatever you end up using, the Ikea kitchen planner is a great help in working through choices, layout etc. I can recommend IKEA cupboards, which I got in two colours (antique white and a light ash) - and their installation is even cheaper if you put the cupboards together yourself (even doing the frames for a carpenter is well worth it). The drawers and drawers inside drawers are excellent. I also had to use Kaboodle from Bunnings, as I wanted a corner pantry - it's a system that's also worth considering - my pantry is well made and goes well with the other cupboards. I didn't use IKea for benchtops and splashbacks, as my carpenter had a supplier from whom he could stuff wholesale, which cut costs as well. Twelve months on, I'm still very happy with the kitchen, the quality of cupboards etc.

Hi Kerry, I have recently renovated and would suggest if you are going for tiles go for a large tile at least 600 x 600 - concrete look with lappato rectified finish and ask for minimum grout. I found when researching that the timber look tiles will date and also they were more expensive. If you want the timber look I would go for a luxury vinyl plank - friends of mine put this through the main living areas of their home - they selected blackbutt timber look and looks great. Benefits of the vinyl is that if there is damage you can just replace the planks affected. There are also hybrid planks which is a combination of laminate and vinyl. If you choose vinyl or hybrid I would suggest a wide plank and long board.

Yes Tee, a few people have contacted me with same issues and it appears it’s in the engineering. We are all taking it further so we’ll se what happen, $17000 for one large room and hallway is not something to just live with, if not happy,

The minute someone walks through the front door, first impressions are had, and nothing wows a guest more than the beauty of well-designed entrance and hallways. It can become a messy zone with shoes and people coming and going, so making the right choice for flooring is essential to keep it looking its best. You will want something easy to clean, resistant to scratches and moisture, welcoming and aesthetically pleasing. Making The Right Choice When deciding what is suitable for the entrances of your home, something that’s durable but exudes beauty is ideal. The most natural choices for this region of your house usually consist of: Natural timber Vinyl Hybrid Laminate Tiles Carpet Each has practical characteristics but is quite aesthetically pleasing when paired well with other design choices, depending on the decor and style you want to achieve. Inspired Spaces We love that withhybrid floor, solid timber and laminate floor, you can get a range of textures, designs, colours and patterns that can lift an entranceway to look wow. Hybrid Floor As a Style Choice Hybrid flooring is stylish, durable and low-maintenance, making it a sound choice for busy spaces like hallways that see a lot of foot traffic. Its resiliency means that it will continue to look great for some time without the hefty output you will find comes with natural timber. While we get that homeowners like the high-end look of solid timber, there is the higher price tag with solid timber and time spent on maintenance that hybrid floor becomes the better alternative. You can still enjoy a timber-look that is hard to differentiate from the real without drawbacks. Wet floors from brolly’s, snow and boots won’t be an issue because of its waterproof nature. Solid Timber If you’ve made a choice for your home to have solid timber floor throughout, then the style it brings to your entrances and hallways will be sensational. Putting looks behind, there will be practical issues to face, but choosing to put timber throughout your home has likely been well throughout out and the ongoing care expected. However, the natural beauty of this type of flooring is definitely a style choice because it’s easy to decorate around with the range of colours, patterns, and styles it is available in. If it does get damaged from heavy foot traffic over time, it can be fixed by sanding and resealing, which restores it back to a place of beauty. Its main drawback is that it doesn’t do well with moisture, which means the boards can be damaged. As an alternative, hybrid flooring system can overcome this problem without compromising the stylish look. Create A Look With Laminate Floor Laminate is also available in various options to create the look and style you want at an affordable price. It is all you want for busy entranceways and halls because it is simple to clean and low maintenance, meaning you can keep the areas looking fresh and clean with little input. Available in a range of thicknesses which impacts durability, depending on the amount of wear and tear it is likely to see in your home. Overall, your final choice comes down to personal preference. Each option has its pros and cons, but each gives these important areas of your home the impact you want to achieve when inviting guests into your home. https://flooring2you.com.au/best-choices-in-flooring-for-entrances-and-hallways/