Hi Kim, the post was called 'ideas for a small kitchen' it's still on diseign dilemmas page three. Poster is hechlan. Yes, a white kicker will get as dirty as a stainless steel one. Although maybe hidden a little better. M reason for mentioning this, as stainless kickers are an early 90's thing, and will prematurely date the kitchen. I have designed kitchens for around 10 years now, and while they have a place, as in you want to tie into your stainless appliances then go for it. I would just consider your options first. The positive is that they will coordinate with an kitchen, however with a white kitchen, they may take some attention that the kitchen itself deserves. Try to create something in your kitchen unique to your layout, and that is long lasting enough to enhance your own aesthetic. Kitchens with personality usually have quirks from the owner, and this may well be one of them for you. My only reasoning is that I wouldn't want you to just do it as the cabinetmaker has been doing this for several years now. White get dirty, so does stainless, they both get mopped, and the stainless actually has a scribes surface which I know is harder to get the dirt out of. We used this in showrooms, and know from experience that flat standard laminate is far easier to clean that stainless kicker, regardless of the colour. Ask your joiner for a piece of laminate and stainless kicker, feel them for yourself. They often use HPL, high pressure laminate to make kickers, and not often LPM, low pressure melamine, as the HPL is far more durable. The joiner can explain th difference, or atleast know that you have looked into it.

Hi oklouise, Below is an image of how the houses should fit together. I have included rough measurements for sons house. Shared garage 6x6sq m - shared laundry sewing/ utility/mud room 6x3.3sq m - media room 5x3.8sq m - entry 1.5x3.3sq m - office 2.5x3.5 sq m - bed 4 3x3.5 sq m - bed 3 3x3.5 sq m - main 4x4.5 sq m - wir 4x1.8 sq m - ensuite 4x2.8sq m - bed 4 3x5.4 has linen c/board in hall way - bathroom 2x3.5 sqm - toilet and 1 vanity 2.7x1.7 extends into family rm - family rm 5x5.2 sq m - dining 5.3x3.4 sq m - kitchen 4x2.8 sq m - b/pantry 1.3x2.8 sq m - island 3x.9 sq m - hall 1mtr wide - outdoor 3.5x4.7 sq m may change - front porch 3.5x1.8 sq m - pool behind family area maybe. I will put measurements for my pantry and vac on tomorrow morning. This image might look slightly different to his latest plan which I uploaded earlier he has altered a few things overall still same footprint. I'm pretty new to anything to do with designing house plans so thanks for all of the suggestions and plans so far. I definitely like the way you have narrow shelves for storage in your pantry. but

As Oklouise suggested, the myHome.gov.au website is a great place to start, to get informed. And listen to the Undercover Architect podcasts from the beginning of series 1. Her advice is invaluable. It will help you understand why orientation and other factors are key to the comfort of your home. She also has a series in which she interviews different professionals that might be worth a listen to help you choose which way to go. Her series on budgeting is also gold. Budget may, in part, dictate how you proceed. Volume homes are generally cheaper (but not always) but you will have less control over the process, quality, floor plans and design, and fixtures and fittings. That said, some volume builders will allow you to modify their designs. Others will build your design or help you come up with a design, although there can be pitfalls to that approach as builders are usually not designers. Custom building is usually, but not always, more expensive than a volume builder but you have much greater control over the whole process. You will generally need to engage a building designer, architect or draftsperson if you go this way, fees can add up, and build cost is usually higher. You’ll get closer to exactly what you want (unless your budget is limitless, then you really can have anything you want), probably at a higher level of quality, but you’ll pay more for it. Or there is the option of modular and prefabricated homes. Some of these are architect driven with strong design values and eco credentials and give you a quality build with lower costs than a bespoke design as they are able to contain costs. But do your homework if you go down this route as some are better than others. Prebuilt is one example. Archiblox is another. A few will do a hamptons style place but most tend to be more contemporary in their design approach. For our next build we are going with a small company run by an architect and builder that build houses with an eight star energy rating using a modular system that is highly flexible in its design and optimally suited to the orientation of the block. Cost wise it will sit half way between a volume builder and a true custom design. The compromise is that we need to build within their system, and have some limitations in fixtures and fittings but also some flexibility. It’s a compromise we are happy with because the architect and builder who are key to this project share a similar aesthetic to us, are motivated by sustainability, use quality products in their build and take pride in their work. Good luck with the planning. Take your time and do your homework. This is a great resource too.

Hi Brenny, This is absolutely the work for an interior designer/decorator. Some designers do larger scale work, however like myself, we happily engage in all scales of work. I would definitely recommend either meeting face to face if they are local or speaking on the phone if they are remote as to get a feel for the designer before committing to them. Normally, after a discussion regarding the scope of works, they will provide you with a quote if they (and more importantly you) are happy to proceed. Even more importantly, professionals know what they are doing, and (should) have a large array of suppliers to work with and good product knowledge. Some (like us at JFI Studios) also provide you with trade discounts from suppliers who offer it, so not only do they help you with what you need to find, but also can sometimes offer it at a cheaper rate which can go a long way. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need any advice or would like to chat about your home, as I would be delighted to be able to help you. Good luck and happy shopping! Jordan Manning-Ferguson from JFI Studios.