We have four farmhouse style sinks in two different houses, and all present the same problem. It doesn't have anything to do with the material as two sinks are concrete, one stainless steel, and one composite stone. With the two kitchen sinks it's very frustrating spraying out the food particles from corner to corner. Food particles go from one side to the other, and it's very difficult to corral them to the drain. The two concrete bathroom sinks don't have enough slope, so when shaving and brushing teeth, the water and material flow to the opposite side of the sink. It's annoying to wash a 3' wide sink every time it's used. And gross if the sink isn't cleaned from side to side after every use. As a compromise, we're installing a farmhouse concrete bathroom sink with two drains and more slope. As I evaluate many things in life, a, farmhouse sink is a solutions looking for problem.

If you're seriously considering chalk paint check out Marilyn's, the Annie Soames stuff is pretty expensive. Marilyn's comes in some made up colours or you can get the powder and add it to any colour you like. (I have only tried this on small amounts only, not sure how you'd go mixing larger quantities). I'd be inclined to get it in place before doing anything radical, then you'll have a better feel. I'm thinking that the grey drawers definitely need to be changed, I'd try painting some cardboar and sticking it over the top to experiment with colour. What you do with your splashback will also make a big difference, those grey tiles add to the contempaory feel. You could also change out the handle quite cheaply for something a bit chunkier. Open shelves or glass fronts scream farmhouse, so maybe just leaving some of the upper cupboard doors off could work, you can always paint the inside of the cupboard for a bit of interest. Or depending how the L fits in, open shelves, on one end. Another option depending on what's in the rest of the space, and how big that space is, you could think about a butchers block in the space, very farhouse and extra benchspace never goes astray.

Long ago when I was in high school, we had a sports lesson doing hurdles. I loved it and secretly thought I was great at it. At the end of the lesson, we were sauntering back to class and I decided to show my friends once again how good I was. Now, hurdles must be approached from only one side. If you don't make it over, (from the right side)it smacks down. The other side doesn't move when hit. Well, I approached from the wrong side and had a little too much saunter and not enough pace, so didn't make it over. I hit it hard and the hurdle didn't budge. I was draped over the top in a horribly awkward position. Finger tips just off the ground on one side, toes just off the other side, bottom in the air, school uniform around my ears! Everyone gathered around laughing their heads off. Finally, after much laughter I was lifted off by my school mates. Lesson learnt, don't show off!

My parents have a covered south facing alfresco in Perth. It's great in summer. In winter, they use a paved and pergolaed (with deciduous vines) area further from the house that gets full sun. Consider losing the bay windows. They will be unbearable in summer. Or push the eaves out, or plant some deciduous trees in the front. I would shift the rumpus room to where the laundry is. Give it a view. Also, it's probably where you'll end up sitting on hot summer days, as your formal lounge will still get a lot of heat. Consider shifting the master to the righthand side of the plan. You could get a lovely triple aspect (north, east and south) bedroom. You could have double doors that open onto a private seating area too. Put the laundry where the master is.