After I had finished my Archi Masters I was working for an architecture firm who also did a small amount of work for a volume builder. They were actually a pretty good quality builder and at least got the orientation of their 'pre-designed' plans correct. We had the ability to make minor changes to every job and it pained me to see so many simple to implement passive options not being incorporated. Had most of their clients known that they would be saving MONEY over the longterm by making a few minor changes to suit their site, they all would have done it. The problem is unless someone can sell this idea to them as a financial/lifestyle choice, many just think it is about saving the world. It is a no-brainer if you have in interest in it, but for those who don't know, there is no-one there selling it to them, especially on the lower end of the market.

The weird shelves across the windows... why would you do that? It looks odd to me. The odd collection of wood finishes.... The pokey appliance spot that won't fit a kettle. hm... maybe I am a bit of a nitpick?

Hi Siriuskey, They are timber looking tiles - we absolutely love them. We are considering the same for the new place but potentially herringbone/parquetry arrangement. Much more expensive vs. laminate but easier to clean and no concern in relation to water...

My other thought was to move the protea print across to above console but not sure how it would look next to other print. Also within the dining family room I already have 2 prints. I did try a small mirror but when the console is positioned up against the end wall it mainly reflects kitchen.