No, I'm sorry, but it doesn't work for me at all. That unrelieved expanse of shiny white is quite disorienting. You don't quite know where the light is coming from. But the colour isn't the main problem here. Although it isn't pretty, the "before" kitchen actually has a lot going for it. The new kitchen has the benches all at the same height, which is a problem because different kitchen tasks are most comfortable at different heights. The surface that houses your sink needs to be relatively high so that when you're using the sink you don't have to bend your back. That's uncomfortable! Conversely, a cutting surface is better if it's relatively low, because that way you can control the knife better. It's a safety thing. The new kitchen has the cooktop and the sink under wall-mounted cupboards. You're absolutely sure the extractor fan whisks all the steam and particulates out of there? Most don't, you know. And with the cupboards at that height, if you're standing close enough to cook or wash up can you see to the back of the bench? No, it's not you, it's the design. Look at the old kitchen. It has surfaces at a variety of heights, and although the sink is under a cupboard you can stir the sauce on the stove without bumping your head, I think. I could be totally wrong about this. The featured kitchen might be a joy to work in. I do think, though, that this does not look like a kitchen designed by a cook.

The choices probably really need to be made by your daughter, guided by your house rules. I would start with those things that can't be changed and anything that would be unacceptable to you such as changing the carpet, painting walls black etc. Has your daughter collected images of the sort of room she is imagining? Houzz has a great collection as does Pinterest. Once you have those ideas you can talk about budget and what is realistic. I would suggest Kmart or similar for on-trend, affordable furniture and accessories as what she chooses now is likely to be different to what she wants at 17/18. A space to personalise with photos, quote cards and mementos is important to a teenage girl, a makeup station and full length mirror are other essentials. We bought a couple of timber crates which we painted to suit, for storage of school books/folders. Kikki K make a gorgeous mood board which will contain all the photos, weekly plan etc. Your local Facebook Buy Swap Sell or Gumtree could be a great source of affordable buys. As a mother of 4 daughters, my advice would be not to invest too much as their tastes change, sometimes rather dramatically. You just have to balance the cost with your environmental ethics. And Kate is absolutely correct about the rug in front of the mirror - fake tan does not come out of carpet!

if you check the websites for some of the big building companies in your area you will find hundreds of floor plans...Google Project home builders and you should be able to find plans but also addresses of houses that you can visit to help choose which one you like best

I'm in WA, so this is what happens here. Find a builder and a design that you like. In WA a lot of companies do a Demolish and Build all in the one contract. If you are not organised this maybe the way to go. Speak to the builder and get all your design issues sorted, and what the time lines are for the build to start. Contact a demolition company/s, that is appropriate for your type of home removal. Questions of correct asbestos removal, or what is salvageable for resale, are good to ask. In WA, homes need to be baited for 4 weeks prior to the actual demolition. So while your arranging your new home design, this can be commenced with demolition company. The demo company also has to apply for and be approved a demo permit, before any of this starts to happen. If you are living in your home, then you need to find other accommodation as soon as you have organised the demolition people. Approval is done for demo, home is baited and sits for 4 weeks, home is demolished. While this has been happening you have organised your design and building approval etc etc. The builder will take over the site, once you have had the demolition completed and signed off by council. We started the process with our builder for design in July 2013 We signed contract in Feb 2014 We had our home physically demolished in Feb 2014 But started that process 6 weeks prior. Building licence approved in June 2014 Moved into our new home June 2015. Double storey, double brick, concrete slabs upper and lower.