The engineered floorboards are what they are calling hybrid floors aren't they? They are "floating". Whereas the vinyl look planks are glued down and don't make the click clack sound when you walk on them. I was recently told that the only surface that can withstand water spills is the vinyl floor. I think they said that the hybrid floor will last for 24hrs with water on it without being ruined. I would be interested to see what other people have found to be the case. I have puppies at my place and I would hate for them to wee somewhere and me not see it and them ruin the floor. I like the hybrid floor because it feels more real, but the guys at the flooring shop loved the vinyl planks and what they said about water spills had me thinking that I will need to go with vinyl planks

Hi Kirsty, could you please advise the colour of your vanity and whether it is a custom made one and if not, could you let me know its name and where you bought it. Also, what is the colour of your floors tiles and where did you get them from. (I have come to the conclusion that charcoal/dark grey tile plus a much lighter grey tile plus white on some walls plus a timber vanity or timber accessories in bathroom , plus white (or close to it) below sink counter top is the way to go for a beautiful bathroom. The trick is figuring out exactly what proportion of each colour to use and where to put them for each particular layout.

I'm always surprised whenever I read discussion threads on the pros/cons of timber vs engineered or timber-look products is that I seem to be the only one who cares about the sound, not just the aesthetics. I grew up in very old houses and for me, that sound as you walk along a real timber floor is majestic and cannot be replicated by other products that to, seem to all sound like fingernails on a black board in comparison (okay not really, but it evokes the same reaction in me as does walking on lino). So, for that awesome sound of "real" timber and for longevity's sake, authenticity's sake, and all the reasons above I say option 2. Of course, budget is also important and I totally understand the width argument too.

HI Lyn Depends on where you live, but here in Auckland, Winstone Glass will give you a glass splashback in ANY Resene colour, which would mean you could get exactly what you want. Personally I have a white kitchen with white speckled granite tops, and all walls white, so I went with a black glass splashback that has an ever so slight sparkle at night, doesn't sparkle in daytime. Looks stunning. You can get cheap pre made splashbacks at Mitre 10, Bunnings etc, but they don't use the glasskote technology, so you can see in behind them, whereas Winstones ones, you can have white and not see the wall at all. Good luck Julie