Hi, our fridge sits out about 20mm (the depth of the doors) just enough for the doors to open fully. You'll need them to do this if you want to get your shelves out to clean. I don't mind it. It's not an eyesore. Also, from looking at your fridge it's got an icemaker or filtered tap. Make sure the cut off tap for your plumbing is accessible from the cupboard next to it, preferably next to the powerpoint. The last thing you want to have to do is pull the fridge out to turn the tap or power off. Mine is accessible from the cupboard above the fridge. Hope this is helpful.

K_jossie, there's some really helpful suggestions here. I can't add much in terms of design ideas, but in a small kitchen that serves a family it's vital to maximise storage, Have a look at some of the more novel ideas for extra storage. You can put drawers in kickboards for things like baking trays, serving trays, shallow casserole dishes, serving platters you don't use often, etc. Loads of space there that usually goes to waste! Another idea I saw that I thought brilliant was making walls into shallow storage. Where you have a blank wall that it isn't practical to place cabinets against, and you don't plan to put furniture against (such as along corridors or walkways), the lining can be removed between the studs and shelving inserted and sliding or hinged doors fitted. It provides shallow storage that is brilliant for things like canned and packet food, cups, glasses, and some of the utensils that we typically like to hang in the kitchen. I also saw this method used above a child's desk area, using the in-wall space for storage of art and craft supplies. I agree a slideout pantry is a fantastic idea. I had one in our last house and loved it. It provided loads of storage in a very small space. The other way to maximise storage is to use drawers extensively instead of cupboards. When designing my kitchen, I made a list of things I needed to store and designated their future home on my plan, working out both where they were most accessible when needed and also the optimum way to structure storage space to hold everything. It's amazing how much difference just varying drawer depths according to the height of items to be stored in them can make. Best of luck with your extension. I hope the result is pleasing.

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.

I've been through the whole generator search before. Generators are awesome for long-term backup, but they come with a price tag. Inverter generators are my personal faves – they're portable, quiet, and safe for electronics. Perfect for occasional outages or camping trips. You can get them at https://www.acebattery.com/. But if you're on a budget, the portable ones work too; just check the wattage for your needs.