Your layout for you kitchen looks really good and would fit well with the mixture of black and white cabinetry. With the lament bench top, we would suggest melamine (entry level cabinetry) or acrylic bench top, which can come in high gloss feature or matt. The matt surface would go lovely with your choice of bench top, and acrylic is also a affordable cabinetry material. Below are some examples of how Reno4u has incorporated both black and white cabinetry together, without making it to dominantly dark. We feel as if these examples would be perfect for your layout, and depending on if you want more black cabinetry or white you can go either way. This design above is an example with more black than white, can be made matt or gloss with different handles/splash back and wallpaper. With a u shaped kitchen similar to yours, however from the pictures you provided your style may include different design below the island bench. Another kitchen designed by us which shows more white than black, with a bar built in which may suit your design better. We hope this helps you, please feel free to call us on 03 423 9067 and we can provide a free quote for materials and kitchen design, and help you finalise your design further. :)

Hello Matt - I am an independent Interior Designer and Colour Consultant based in Cambridge - I would be pleased to have a look over your proposed plans. I work with local builders and suppliers and can of course help with your colour choices and drapery. If you feel you need more help please contact me to discuss the services I offer. Looks like an amazing renovation for your and your family! www.cambridgecolour.co.nz elizabeth@cambridgecolour.co.nz Elizabeth; 027 275 9779

I am so excited about the opportunity to finally have a pool at my home. I really want to get it right and wonder if I should consult a landscaper prior to deciding on the house plan to ensure the layout of the house is going to be in the optimum position for a lap pool setting. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your comments. I really appreciate your help. I think we are on the same track. The rugs I have brought home have fought with the terracotta colour plus the busyness of the small tiles. I did come across this picture on Houzz, which I think looks good. What do you think? It would need some of that burnt orange from the chair upholstery as well as the aubergine to tie in but I liked the dark border line, it matched with the grout.