I had a 2nd hand lovely resort style lounge (cane with fabric) which quickly became pulled and tatty after my 2 small dogs had been using it. The leather lounge & two large leather recliners I have show no damage (regardless of long or clipped nails) and both pets love these. Having a blanket the dogs know is theirs is a great idea especially with leather, as the initial cold feeling of leather means both dogs only want to be on the blanket.

I don't profess to be an expert in anything useful. I've two rugs on floor boards and one needs some non slip (avail from Bunnings) and one doesn't. It's quite cheap. I've also seen Martha Stewart add rows of silicon to the bottom of rugs to make them non slip but to me that ruins the rugs.

Your needs for your home should ultimately drive the decisions....it's tricky jumping in and out on these things, particular after a design process has already occurred, as the projects developed as a result of decisions over various aspects and prioritising of the various goals. Function should drive the decisions one way or the other - THEN we work out how to make it aesthetically/spatially balanced one way or the other..........whatever you do you need to have solid reasoning and justification for all decisions.............. regarding your carport structure, you may well come to the confident conclusion that open private outdoor space/landscaping is a better use of that area for your and your property and that's the best option for you. Be careful not to get confused by differing advice here and whilst all ideas can be valid, the risk is losing your bearing with your own goals. I could argue both sides, a real estate agent may say you're diminishing market value, but you as the owner may prefer a larger rear yard. Not right or wrong, just different priorities and perspectives...... Typically when it comes to this stuff, our instincts are the best compass........but be sure you have taken time to think through options and have the right info.....after years of doing this I can say instinct never fails, but less then ideal outcomes can occur by not trusting your gut Cheers PD

I took into consideration your new Fridge pantry alcove when I designed your kitchen to get you the max island and still being well placed within the kitchen. If the island isn't attached to the fridge wall you would need to leave a 1m space between them which would reduce the 3m Island as I have shown, the dotted wall shows the length of your kitchen, and how the island fits into that space, you could extend the island further into the dining if you wanted, I can redraw that for you. As I said with both of your plans drawn differently Both OKL and myself had a differnt result