Hi me me EC Group are a small Australian mill that were previously known as Edwardstown Carpets. They have traditionally made a good product. The carpet you are looking at is a BCF solution dyed nylon. This means that the fibre is a Bulk Continuous Fibre (ie a continuous length) nylon that has had the colour mixed into it while the nylon was still a liquid (and not applied afterwards). It gives it a much greater resistance to staining and soiling (be aware that it has no separate stain treatment) and means that it also resists fading in direct sunlight very well. As far as the durability of it is concerned, the ratings have evolved to a two tier level of Extra Heavy Duty now, being a 5 and a 6 star. Avenue is a 5 star which is reflected in its' light commercial rating. Being a 25oz I would say it would be a good performer for bedrooms and living areas but will tend to flatten down in doorways, stairs or passages. Without knowing the areas intended we would probably suggest also looking at the Stoney River which is similar but a slightly heavier pile weight and a 6 star rating. Being a solution dyed nylon means it also responds well to being steam cleaned which tends to make it 'bloom' again. Cheers

In my early twenties I designed kitchens for my mother and two aunts (Uncle built them and they worked), but when it came to designing my own - had to fit a constrained space and no possibility of extension - I chewed my lips for ages - like Nicole, I drew and measured ad infinitum, and used graph book walls, views etc. I did one extra thing - which I think worked - I listed all that I wanted to store, and tried to analyse how I liked working in the kitchen. Some things I had to settle for because of space (such as a smaller dishwasher) but most of it has worked. We have a corner pantry, which I (and the cat, husband a bit larger) can walk into, but have not put small appliances in there - they sit in a large drawer beneath the main working bench, which also works well. It all looks good to me Nicole and thinking carefully about needs and how things work in advance usually results in something you'll be happy with. Good luck!

If the window is in a shower recess you need to take special precautions for waterproofing to protect the timber reveal. If the window is not at risk of water damage then a standard timber reveal and architrave should work. I would suggest an aluminium awning window with a powdercoated finish would be good as it doesn't have a track if it is not in a shower recess. If it is in a shower recess consider a louvred window, without an architrave. When your shower recess has its waterproof membrane applied continue the waterproof membrane over the reveal up to the aluminium frame then tile over. Don't put a timber (or MDF) architrave around a window that is exposed to water as it will just rot out, along with the timber reveal. Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

hi MB - I live in Sydney .. I designed my house in 1988 to be 'passive solar' - I looked at Louvres back then but chose Awnings bcoz the Louvres in 1988 did not have screens or Locks… I think if you lived somewhere really cold you get more benefit from 'double glazing'- but, these days the really cold Northern countries use 'triple glaze' and thermal energy... for you, opting for a few on your Northern side with deep eaves would be sensible A couple of years ago, I finally replaced my Block-Out Verticals with Plantation Shutters - the Plantations look great and when shut keep heat and cold out... the verticals did the same thing but the look was outdated and got ratty ….