You could go with subway tiles- very trendy at the moment. These are 3x6cm and bring the wooden bench top together perfectly. Hope we have provided some inspiration in trying something completely different! Of course glass is a classic for splash backs!

My thinking behind moving the Scullery to the outside wall gives direct access from the garage into it and the kitchen which could also have a servery to the alfresco, but also to avoid a long narrow passage way entrance between the living and family room which closes it in The only wall space between the living and family will be the depth of the fridge, which going by the floorplan still protects the room I have as a dining/study if you maintained that wall

Basically , you are paying professionals to strip out 80% of everything , so $1000's , then other professionals to strip out wiring and plumbing , to end up with parts of a 50 or 70 year old frame , that suited a 2 bedroom layout but probably not a 4 bed ( that's what I'd aim for by the sounds of it ) . I'd suspect it would be easy to spend $50k to end up with a compromise ( think doors not exactly where you want , window holes that are too little or high , room sizes too small ) . And then you'll find a builder will only 'discount' you $5k for what is there , and then charge you $10k for all the mucking around . If it was adding on a couple of bedrooms and a bathroom , certainly worth costing it ; if swapping a kitchen and a bathroom , probably ; but when 80% of the rooms , which means 80% of the floors ; 95 or 100% of the roof ; every external wall and 90% of internal ones -- ask why ? If you had a 20 year old car that was a bit dinged , but its done you well , you'd probably go to the panelbeaters and spend $1k , maybe $2k . But if it was a bit dented , rusty around the bottom , motor smoky , gearbox slipping , paint faded , headlining fallen off and both front seats ripped and torn -- you'd head to the car sales wouldn't you ? Or if you had no $$ , you'd hope it lasts another 6 months . Most people wouldn't spent $20k or $30k on it unless it was extremely special .

have you personally inspected the property to clarify the available space as the real estate photos show that bed 3 is already being used for the living area so the property is really only two bedrooms plus open plan living dining kitchen and attempting to add an upstairs powder room would mean having the toilet open into the kitchen living area ..it may be possible to install a tiny powder room above the stairs (say $10-$20,000... if you could gain Council approval to do it) but another property with an existing upstairs bathroom would be more comfortable for yourself as well as your guests