I would suggest your plumber links the hot and cold fill pipes to the supply UNDER the sink - this gets rid of unsightly pipes and while he's there get him to move the taps to the L side of sink. I would then create a broad drop down counter top to create a place to sort your laundry ready for hanging out to dry or to fold ready for ironing This drop down counter top to be hinged to R side of washing machine and ensuring the taps are not impeded. If you can't do the drop down version then create a free standing top made out of a piece of MDF/laminated board to put over the sink and washing machine for clothes sorting & folding. This free standing top can 'live' at the side of the washing machine when not needed. I would then put shelves above the folded back counter top to store washing powder and sundries. I would store the washing powder etc in colourful or white boxes to keep the place looking tidy and uniform. Handles on the boxes for ease of access. Oh I do love organising - can I pop round and do this for you? Hope all goes well with the changes.

It all depends on what you want to do in your laundry and what in your bathroom I guess. I appreciate the fact that there might not be enough space to do this but I store outdoor shoes in the laundry and the dog's leash and cleaning stuff. I need room to sort the dirty laundry into piles before washing it. I keep the ironing board in there and I need a tub to wash things in and to do flowers in and to put the odd cloth that wiped up the cat sick before it gets rinsed and washed.. heaps of things other than just washing. Couldn't manage with a cupboard laundry ( piles of washing on the hall floor when using it) and think these kinds of laundry functions might not make a gorgeous lavendery bath or shower feel that luxurious. So I am for as big a laundry with tubs, cupboard and bench nearest the outside back entrance and yes washing line as poss. And a lovely fresh warm bathroom near the bedroom separate from the dirty clothes and boots and all that other stuff.

I'd take a totally different route . It looks like there is that narrowish window in the lounge or dining area -- I'd look at whether you could make that into a ranch-slider ( yes , I am in NZ too -- if you say ranch-slider it confuses the Aussies haha ) . You'd need a structural engineer to make sure that wall isn't load bearing , and also electrical cables are able to be moved , but I'd suspect the load bearing bits would be the corners , and you'd be able to 'open up' that wall onto the deck . While it initially may seem counter-intuitive , you could then take out the door and that other taller window -- close it in and add a couple of small windows , or how about doubling down , and seeing if you can 'open up' between what you call the 2 windows above the stove -- have 1 long flat window along there , OR even do another bay window -- that will add more light , but also by taking out the opening door , you will get an extra metre of space , That way , you can do a different kitchen design -- maybe a wall mount oven , or a pantry , a breakfast bar in a different spot -- basically , plan the kitchen and the window placement at the same time . The advantages would be more usable space , more light , an indoor/outdoor flow but through the other room , not the kitchen . But with more glass actually in the kitchen , it will feel lighter and airier , plumbing won't be as much of a hassle , it will look better . The only possible downside would be the wall you put the ranchslider in will need to be kept clear , as you may lose a bit of space there , but the breeze and openness will make up for that IMO .

Does your lounge need an update? Take a look at the images down below and see how the use of pattern, colour, texture, and furniture placement can transform a room from an outdated and impractical space to a sophisticated, welcoming, and simply put gorgeous area that is perfect for entertaining. This project has beautifully pieced together a rug from Designer Rugs, David Shaw seating, Fabrics by James Dunlop, and a coffee table specially designed by yours truly, DesignworX. Often I see seating in a lounge area placed awkwardly. Sometimes the furniture is all against one wall so you sit in a row like in a movie theatre, sometimes all the seating is pushed to the perimeter of a room and the space between seating is too far away, or all facing into the TV corner when you have the potential of seeing the trees. The key to successful furniture placement is creating a comfortable connection, with the people you are communicating with, and with the focal point of the space. It's not easy to communicate when you are all in a row, so having seating at right angles or opposite means you can connect. If you have an outdoor area, then orientate the furniture to connect with that, if you have a large room... pull the furniture off the walls so you can speak without having to yell across a room. My pet hate is having the TV as the only focal point, a fire or outdoor area is far more inviting. Let's talk YELLOW... Did you know that the yellow wavelength is relatively long and essentially stimulating. The stimulus is emotional, therefore yellow is the strongest colour, psychologically. The right yellow will lift our spirits and our self-esteem and is often seen and used as a bright happy colour. Too much of it, or the wrong tone in relation to the other tones in a colour scheme, can cause self-esteem to plummet, giving rise to fear and anxiety. It can create too much energy in the muscles by activating the motor nerves a some shades of yellow can heighten your anxiety levels and heart rate within about 45 seconds! In the featured lounge, we used yellow in a rich bronze grounding shade to work in with other aged brass elements in the space. It feels warm and cozy and makes a design statement. Check out the entire project here, as well as a walk-through!