OPTION #1 - TRANSITIONAL - Caesarstone: calcatta nuvo or statuario nuvo - Tapware: matt black sink mixer - Splashback: ideally same caesarstone as benchtop if budget allows, if not then off-white herringbone tiles *my personal preference as it will tie in nicely with your black stools... ______________________________ OPTION #2 - TRADITIONAL - Caesarstone: frosty carrina or london grey - Tapware: brushed chrome or nickle sink mixer - Splashback: again ideally same caesarstone as benchtop if budget allows, if not then marble look herringbone tiles

My advice is to think about the working/function as you need it for your family. Prioritise that (as a starting point) and get that happening somewhat free of a "box" shape extension and see how that all sits - it's like you're trying to squeeze it all in to a specific shape and then struggling with certain details....you're suggesting/entertaining ideas like a functional laundry/bag drop zone etc which 100% is important/relevant for a busy family of 4. The problem seems that there hasn't been true clarity on the function/requirements before the design has been proposed. Is it too small? Well it depends on how exactly you intend on using it - how many people need to be able to sit at the table or on the lounge etc..this will dictate scaling - whether or not you'd like a butlers pantry or not. Is the 3rd toilet needed? Well ultimately nobody can tell you that one way or the other - you will know whether functionally that is a requirement necessary for your family - all these are questions you will have (or need to establish) an opinion/position on one way or another and then (should) be able to work through (more effectively) & resolve with the architect whom you've engaged.....you are obviously staging the project which can be logical/necessary, and given this there may in fact be alternative and arguably more cost effective design options available for you (such as a 2nd stage "clean" extension for a master suite), but realistically that involves greater understanding/information of the site/context and your particular budget in order to provide specific advice/suggestions as to how best to achieve your goals...Good luck :) PD

the opening into the kitchen could be narrower and the breakfast bar deeper (for knee spaces) and wider say 1800 x 900 and swop the oven and pantry so that cookware taken out of the oven can be rested on the cooktop and the coffee station could be in the corner between cooktop and sink (keeping all the hot appliances at the end of the kitchen) and forget tall pantry doors and consider having pantry divided into top and bottom sections with drawers in the bottom and wall cabinets with bifold doors only to counter height not full height and think about what to store in the cupboards...below counter 45cm wide door cnr cabinets are ideal for big appliances and less often used serving ware and giant saucepans and there would be more counter space in the corners for coffee making with wall cabinets for cups and glasses and the other corner for meal prep with wall cabinets for serving plates and the pantry between oven and fridge and try the bar fridge under the breakfast bar with a deeper overhang for stools on both sides with a stool for mum...with such a short time to delivery you need to make some fast decisions but best of luck with the kitchen and your precious new baby...this rough suggestions has only approximate dimensions and needs to be confirmed by your designer

Congratulations on your new home. I can't tell what your kitchen cupboards are made from by your photo, but there is a laminate paint available that is suitable for vertical surfaces, but you wouldn't use it on a benchtop. Never choose a splashback after you have selected benchtop and cupboards. They should be selected together to work in harmony as you see all three elements together. If your budget is tight I would keep the splashback and benchtop, as they are very neutral, will work with your furniture, and are expensive to replace. Concentrate on finding the right laminate paint colour first and then the wall colours. Don't rely on paint colours that you see online as they are always different in real life. It may be worth your while to engage a Dulux colour consultant so you don't make any expensive mistakes if you really have no idea as they are very reasonably priced. https://www.dulux.com.au/services/colour-design-service/overview Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls