I like the idea of reclaimed fence palings in a herringbone pattern. You can adorn them with hanging plants, beautiful ornate iron brackets, shelves and collectables objects of inspiration. Or create a cladding patchwork by fixing a collection of old reclaimed doors of different colours and styles to cover the wall. Hang horizontally and vertically, from a builds demolition yard, an interesting patchwork that will be a long term talking point. To apply a coat of connectivity with a single shade of colour or embrace their individual finishes. Just like a patchwork.

I so agree with Alphen Construction - on first glance, it is definitely the handles that are drawing the eye to changes in height. I would definitely try Alphen Constructions' suggestion re 'blocking out the handles with tape' to see how you like the effect. Take a photo when you do it, you can then compare. I think I would remove the handle from the cupboard over the fridge and the cupboard over the stove. I wonder if a steel extractor fan that would take that cupboard to the same level as the other cupboards might be an effective trick, it would also tie in the steel of the fridge, oven and appliances. Under cabinet lighting is needed in my opinion. I do hope you will be able to enjoy your kitchen because it is lovely. I wish you all the best.

I would say it is probably something you need to request or DIY. My hubby did the tiling for our kitchen splashback and used a spray on sealer (light grey grout but it seems to be keeping it from staining behind the stove). For our ensuite he tried a paint on sealer (it had a rolling wheel applicator) to reduce fumes (still fairly smelly). We have white grout there and so far it has cleaned up well. I think reapplication is required especially if harsh cleaners used. Both products were from hardware store.

an interesting effect that we had repaired and repeated on our 1950s house was called "slap dash" by our tradies who used a tool with a revolving chamber turned with a handle that spattered wet concrete over fresh new rendered walls... anything that needs careful preparation and skilled labour is not cheap but we're delighted with the results and you could ask for quotes from specialist tradesman to see what styles would be suitable for your home..we chose to repair and not remove the old render because it was part of the original structure and removal would have compromised the waterproofing of the walls although you could possibly install sheet cladding over the damaged walls..check Hardies panel clad Stucco or similar