I have a conventional concave cornice and I get plenty of cobwebs in the 10mm step out from the wall plaster (but not so much the step out from the ceiling plaster, or maybe it doesn't show so much there). If you are replacing the ceiling I would go with a shadowline rather than square-set which will show every wobble in your plaster or paint. I don't think it is feasible to install a shadowline into an existing ceiling (which will usually have a ragged edge under the existing cornice) but I could be wrong...

It's hard to match tiles with the oak and black as its dated...not sure off your budget but they have kitchens in white under $1,500k in Masters and Bunnings if you get a nice plain white kitchen with cream bench top you can have any timber floor look you like and change the top tiles in plain with put plantation shutter in the kitchen window and you will have a transformed update kitchen dining area under $5k

Agnes, kicker concealed drawers are generally fitted into 150mm minimum kickers with a push catch release runner, which you kick with your toe. Runners are 25mm high, and the kicker drawer would be a solid base coinstruction, so factor in a 16mm base, 10mm top and bottom clearance combined, the 25mm runner, and you would end up with a 49mm high internal drawer box in a 100mm kicker, and almost 100mm in the 150. These drawers are really only useable for oven trays etc, although as they are used often, this is a impractical storage system to utilize daily. These drawers are factored in when limited storage can be included into joinery, and the cost for installation is quite high. The time to install onsite is costly, and level and even floors are a must for them to work. As for your floor, definately floor first so if joinery is ever modified the floor is consistent and no infills are needed. It is also beneficial for leveling, and sealing the floor surface entirely. Go with this option.

Thank you Luke Buckle, I just love this floor. Especially knowing what was there beforehand. This house is a double brick, split level, mid century monster with vinyl - asbestos floor tiles. It is more government building than home like but has huge potential. I am trying to create a little warmth and character with these floors. The kitchen is quite contemporary but it is an outback home and the feel I am going for is organic/relaxed loft/barn conversion.... I have found it very hard to pigeon hole my style!!