And to you, and to Chook too, of course. Sydney just has the best fireworks, doesn't it? Though I'm glad that Mr Dog and I don't live there. It'll be rough enough here. Row, I think you've done a great job. Yes, the roller blind may no longer live in that room. Thanks for sharing the other pics -- see, you were dreaming of pattern on walls before I came along.

Hi @sophie0lm Congrats on the developments in this plan. It's working much more successfully for the orientation of your site. It's great to see you've taken on feedback and pushed the design to improve it. A few observations: 1. I agree with comments about the study nook. I would make that a storage cupboard for umbrellas, shoes etc for leaving and departing at the front door. 2. The view both into the master bedroom and guest toilet from living areas is not ideal. I would suggest turning the toilet room 90 degrees clockwise (so it's long wall runs along the back of the stairs). You should be able then to have a more private entry to the toilet and master bedroom - and I would even suggest having the internal entry from the garage at that point as well, so that cleans up your entry hall. 3. I would consider pushing to improve the whole WIP / Laundry / Linen arrangement. The WIP is quite detached from the kitchen. There may be something in mirroring the whole kitchen - so the entry to the WIP is then where the fridge is, and it sits behind the kitchen, rather than off to the side. The linen will then sit where the WIP, and having a solid wall to the deck so you can not see into these service areas from your deck and living space. 4. I would also suggest putting a wall up along the back of the stairs upstairs so the rumpus can double as a fourth bedroom. That's my quick appraisal - hope it helps, Regards Amelia www.undercoverarchitect.com amelia@undercoverarchitect.com

Hi Donna - Look for a company that offer a 10-year warranty and a product that complies with Australian Standards. There are some companies that provide a 'kit' for your builder to install to make it a little bit cheaper again. There are also products that have a 'rack and pinion' design which minimises maintenance and eliminates the need for a motor pit - just do a google search for "dumbwaiter rack and pinion' . Good Luck!

Many of the standard veneer products in dark colours do show fingerprint marks very quickly. This may or may not bother you. Polytec and Laminex have both brought out versions that mark less. Polytec is called Venette and I'm sure you can look up Laminex one. If you want to use these products for dark carcasses, you will pay a higher price than standard melamine. Using it for doors is worth doing. Also, you may want to ask the supplier about using a dark board underneather the laminate so that you don't risk lighter line along the edges. A darker board may also reduce the appearance of any scratches. I personally can't think why dark finish would scratch more than a lighter one.