I spent ages figuring out the lay out of our kitchen and am really happy with the result (four months in). We put the sink on the back wall, under a window and love looking out. Make sure there is a bin drawer next to the sink. Ours goes bin, sink, dishwasher, drawers, stove, drawers, oven stack. I think the passages in your kitchen area are a bit narrow. We have 1300mm between the benchtop edges. People can then pass each other easily and it doesn't matter if the drawers or dishwasher is open. The island then has drawers holding the plates and cutlery. You can unload the dishwasher straight into the opposite drawers which the kids love. You have two lots of corner cupboards in the pantry and might be better off with one straight line as I don't believe you gain much more and it will feel more spacious. Consider leaving a space on the kitchen side of the island so you can sit too. I hate standing while entertaining and everyone else is sitting at the island! Hope that helps.

Can you post a sketch? I'm scrolling back and forth trying to visualise it all and understand dimensions and orientation and usage. If the fence colour suits the house and creates a good background for the plants I wouldn't worry about whether it will date. The same concern could apply to the house, but if it all comes together in a way that is classically timeless rather than overly trendy and you're happy with it, then it's working. Alternatively formal or informal hedging can obscure the fence and avoid the question of what colour the fence should be. I agree that with a toddler and dogs you want to keep as much of that lawn as you can. Work out how much garden bed is needed around the edge so that you are not constantly pruning the plants back to fit, but so it still leaves as much lawn as you want. What's missing in my view is edging, most garden styles look better with edging between the plants and the grass. Another thing that gives gardens a more finished look is underplanting. Research plants to ensure you don't plant anything that is toxic or allergenic. Remember humans and dogs can differ in that regard. Start an Ideabook for your garden. If you have images of what you are trying to achieve, and you can share that with us, you can make progress with specific how to's and choosing specific plants.

You are kind to say that, Julie. Hubby also washed and polished the floorboards in the two rooms we decided to retain. They look much better as well. This has been fun project; don't quite know what I'll do with myself after it's completed! :) although, in saying that, there is the garden here to keep us occupied...!

Depending on your taste of course, I would introduce some colour - either as tiles or a glass splashback. Personally I think you will need to fill the entire area otherwise there are simply more lines to take in and will create an unwanted feature. We've had a glass splashback painted back and it was super easy to clean. For one kitchen, we've gone for a bright yellow to give it some pop. You can also have photos too but it's not as easy as the file sizes mean that they need to be taken/supplied by a professional photographer. If tiles is your preference, there are many great patterned tiles out now. Good luck!