I think the bench/breakfast bar along the deck - with bi-fold windows is a fabulous idea. The storage space under the stairs makes more sense to me than a faux fire. An extendable table is definitely the way to go, especially if it is just the two of you most of the time. As for the kitchen sink - I can only suggest that you move your wall cabinet further right - extending the bench and then the sink can be placed further to the right. Downlights above kitchen bench - we have downlights about a metre apart and they provide excellent coverage. With regards to the cupboards being different in living/kitchen areas. I personally think that if you are going all white, they could be identical - creating continuity.

Thanks for the comments. I don't mind making the cupboards higher but I am unsure what would look good. Should they be 1m, 1.2m? That will result in a smaller bulk head but the cupboards may look disproportionate compared to the base cupboards under the bench top. I have been looking for photos where the overhead cupboards are very tall but haven't found any.

Most things are possible if you throw enough money at it. Don't expect the skylight installer to respect the existing layout of the the timber panels. I would suggest you first engage a design professional to carefully measure up your ceiling, and design exactly where and how the shaft will connect with the existing timber ceiling, probably at a large scale of 1:20 or more. Get your installer to quote on the documentation so no assumptions or shortcuts can be made. Without seeing your room I would consider lining the shaft with a similar timber to your ceiling with similar details rather than the standard white plasterboard shaft. I might also consider a victorian style glazed bezel at the bottom of the shaft. All it takes is engaging the right design professional, Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Agree with Siriuskey above. Hard to decide without seeing the style and layout of the house. If the expense of 3m windows is prohibitive, stick with the 2.7m ones and go for the 3m ceilings in the larger spaces. Install curtains at ceiling height so when drawn, it has the perception of full height windows and gives you nice simple lines. See below. Smaller spaces like powder rooms and studies perhaps you could have lower ceilings but that doesn't always save any money but small tall spaces need to be treated differently with the decor. Also heating in winter in Melbourne will have an impact on your energy bills. Heat rises so having low down heat like in slab heating will make the space more comfortable for the dollar spent. Think about fans in winter to bring the heat back down as well as for cooling in summer. Are all the downstairs spaces flat ceilings? I.e, no double height or sloping ceiling spaces? The amount of light in a space doesn't only depend on how high the windows are. Sun shines downward and so having windows go down to the floor and spread across floors may have more impact on light levels. This depends on where you place furnishings, what floor coverings you have etc. In bedrooms for instance where there may not be great views and you want to maintain privacy, I often prefer to have narrow tall windows carefully placed rather than the typical developer wide high sill windows centrally located on the outside wall. Are you on a suburban or urban site of in the country? That will impact privacy vs views. How much overhang or screening will you have to prevent summer overheating? If someone is designing this house for you, they should deal with all these issues with you. My feeling is there is much more complexity to consider than just your one query. Share your plan and elevations for us to help you more, even if they are just sketches. Good luck, C.