From what I can see, I agree with the others. This seems like a pretty good layout and if it's working for you, I don't see any reason to change it. The only thing I could see adding is a prep. sink by the window. My kitchen sink looks out over our patio/pool and I have to admit, it's really convenient to reach through the window and dump out a drink, or use the sink. That being said, we don't have a bar ledge, but instead have a counter-height patio table, which seems to work better. Instead of passing food through, and then walking around. I leave it on the counter, walk around, slide open the window, and grab it. The pass through is for just that, but when we're sitting outside, everyone has their back to the kitchen window and facing the pool, or watching the "Grill Master". Most of the homes around my area have ledges, but I have found that it's more, in the way, than useful, since we have to reach over the ledge and through the window, making the interior counters and sink, harder to access. The pass through window is actually 4' tall sliding doors. The benefit is that the window sil is completely flush, with the counter and pass through area, and both sashes, are moveable. As for your interior, the only think I might change, depending on what's on the other side, is instead of having the breakfast bar as it is, I would eliminate it and put one large island, with the cook top, that extends all the way to where the breakfast bar is now. The bar stools would wrap around the end, and one side, making for better conversation, as well.

Just remember that good quality tapware is EXPENSIVE and so is the plumber to change out the tap so go for the best you can afford - tapware will either make or break the look you're going for in terms of big ticket items. But go for what you want - infact take a sample of your benchtop and put it next to the tap and a stainless steel appliance in the Ikea showroom and have a look to decide for yourself - it all depends on personal taste.

as usual the Real Estate floor plans are not consistent (ie the living and dining area is shown as 4.5 m wide and the kitchen is 4.8?) but, based on estimated measurements the most effective improvement will be achieved with a new kitchen by removing the tall corner pantry and the wide cabinet (and thick brick?) wall next to the fridge and installing base and wall cabinets along the fridge wall with a small base and wall cabinet around to the side of the window and replacing the island with a flat 2400 x 900 counter with knee space and/or shallow storage on the dining room side and drawers for pantry storage next to the sink cabinet i can't see any advantage to altering the laundry and if you don't need the study nook i imagine that the space can be used for extra storage

Hi helennick, I think someone may be having a lend of you about Butler sinks being hard to get in Australia and that they are too heavy for cabinets; these are certainly not our expierience. The only problem you may have is that you want to use timber tops. This is because the constant exposure to water against the end grain over many years of use can become problematic especially if your tops are not polished properyl and it breaks down, wears or is damaged over time with use. For your handle selaction, I think choosing tapware with gold trim or gold and porcelain from Perrin & Rowe or Bastow or the like would be a good option. Hope this helps, Malcolm