If you are using real spotted gum timber as a feature floor then a fake, spotted gum-like laminate won't match exactly and will look cheap. If budget constraints limit you to a laminate kitchen select a plain colour that complements the spotted gum floor that does't try to be something else. Laminex Industries has a great range of plain colours as a starting point, but there are lots of other manufacturers in the market place. Don't go with a generic white kitchen that provides a stark contrast to the visual warmth of the floor. Honesty in materials is an elegant way to work with a tight budget. Best of luck with your selections, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

I agree with big reader: always go with the manufacturer's recommendations for installation & speak with the supplier to see if they can recommend if the gap can be sealed.

A vanity bench can be made to any size. You can still have your storage at 1.5-1.6 metres, but have a bench top running the full length of wall as drawn. The builder is able to install anything that you require which is drawn on your plans and in your budget. Why is the designer saying they cannot provide a long vanity? Is this not in your contract monetary allowance? With a bench top of 1.5-1.6 metres, two basins will be squashed, and would leave no room for bench space. You have two options, either only have one basin installed, or once the home is built, put a freestanding drawer unit which is a similar height to your vanity, along the same wall.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'd definitely want pantry doors as it's not really anything I'd want to put on display. I agree that it would work well if I were storing decorative items. I didn't ask the cabinetmaker about having a hinged door in the laundry as it's quite narrow. I thought the cavity sliding door would make the best use of the space and as I said, I don't really use the kitchen door anyway so it wasn't a big issue for me. I will include the missing dimensions