Have you seen Caesarstone's concrete range - Cloudburst (new one) Raw, Rugged, & Sleek? I mention them because you suggested a cement polish finish. Is the existing black bench still in good shape? Is it engineered stone?

Hi Liz, I understand your concern about waterproofing. I guess it depends on who does it. I'm extremely thorough. The last time I waterproofed I read every piece of technical information from the suppliers. When I went to order the materials, I asked for things that even the suppliers did not know was in the recommended procedure. I'd warrant my own detailed waterproofing over some tradie in a rush to get to the next job. Not saying they are all like that, but I value and trust my own approach as well. In terms of a certificate, a workaround for a through DIY job is to take detailed photos on installation, similar to what a Building Certifier would be looking for on inspection (not that we can rely on Building Certifiers nowadays either)!!!! My point is that a certificate does not necessarily guarantee a thorough job. Just ask the apartment owners at Mascot..... PS Liz good point on the visibility of a clear 50mm threshold, versus a barely visible one where the toe can scuff...

Herringbone pattern has lots of cuts or jagged edge. Better to run it between walls and finish at a defined edge. If shelves aren’t hitting range then you need to go to ceiling, it won’t be cheap. Alternatively put a stacked tile border around the herringbone and stay under the rangehood and continue the border as the rest of the splashback along benches Use silver colored grout not white or it will look grubby. Nat tiles cheap tiles are not particularly uniform. You will find slight size and thickness variation with all cheap tiles.

Well done with your clients brief ! The darkness has been dispersed and these are clean light filled rooms . More modern and Spartan than my taste , but viva la difference !