Beautiful clean modern kitchen! You have a great opportunity to put your personal stamp on the space with a unique backsplash. As you've heard already there are some different approaches. I'd probably place the backsplash up to the wall cabinets and up to the base of the hood. Then continue the backsplash at the same height (18"?) behind the sink. Then place an inspiring colorful picture above the sink to break up the wall. Here's a picture with pendants that aren't too obtrusive. Having multiple levels of lighting at different lumens makes a more inviting feel to the space. I couldn't decipher your flooring, but you may also want to consider adding some nature elements like a type of wood flooring, wood stools, etc. Good luck! If you need software to plan out materials check out our Home Designer software: http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/

~$400 including expedited shipping. My GC just had his regular countertop guy do them, which wasn't great.... he had trouble making clean cuts. If I were going to do it again I would have pressed for someone with expertise to cut them. You can see in the image that the facing is not made of the stone peak, because too much was broken during the cutting to make the mitered edge. I'm a little bummed, but mostly pleased with the surface (which is the important part) thus far.

This is where the kitchen is going to be. Where my husband is will be counter top at that height. with a big wide counter top to sit under. on the back wall double door fridge a metre gap. 2 wall ovens then a sliding door where the ladder is. A scullery. Behind my husband to the side of him a sink the cooker then space. Where the big flat plank is on the ground (ish) will be the movable island. you can see a taster of the stone wall which will be on both sides of the entrance hallway, the flooring will look very similar to this http://carpetdiscounters.co.nz/product.aspx?product_id=441 . You may note the steel next to my husband on that side. it also needs to be treated. Thank you very much

I love your post, there is a blueprint and you are giving out details and whishes witch is making it easier for all of us to help you and your family. This floorplans reminds me a bit about my uncles house. here are some of my thoughs witch you may/or may not use. I am not sure about the NSEV directions which have a major influence in building a house. Parenting so many kids also influence the house and the lifestyle in the home. I would maybe add, or rebuild an ancle to the house prevent from wind on the terrace. Commidded as you sound i would go all in with all of your wishes. I think a big master bathroom is needed to be used as a place to relax with so much to look after. I dont now if your coing to use the door in the lundry room or in the pantry most. I thinks its best to have your garrage entry close to the pantry and kitchen. A open kitchen is also a big decision when you have so many young kids. I would maybe add a breakfast area in the kitchen. SOme other things to consider is maybe the entry and the long hall way. I think you and your family might be a bit tired of the loong hallway. if possible i would switch the entry and the office. to make the entry in to the livingroom, if le librarry is going to be used as a familyroom. A toilet should always be placed near an entry to the house. And an extra toilet is only for u to clean along the way.... I you are looking to expad the family i would maybe build a playroom in the middle of all the kids rooms. At my uncle ealier house theay had a combined office space, guest room, playroom to combind a space for all of the children and their friends to be in. As far as going to design in your home can also maybe influence the layout. I think wood floors or tiles depend on style. I Personally prefer laminet wood floors in the kitchen and entry, but you are to buy some lovely tiles now a day. Pleace ask for a new blueprint suggestion if you are up for some changes. good luck.