Thanks :) Yeah decided to go with tile. So sand cement is ok over existing tiles if I prep them first? Only problem is, the new pad can only be about 30mm at it's thickest (leaving up to 15mm for tiles) otherwise it'll end up being higher than the hallway floor. So I either need to make the fall shallower or not bother with the waste and make it all level. If I made it level, could I use levelling compound at that thickness or would deck mud/sand cement be the best option? Also, should I be putting in mesh for strength? (I know I should (and will) ask the local hardware what they suggest, but it's great to have suggestions from the Houzz community also)

The number you need for adequate lighting is dependant on the light fitting, its brightness and the angle the light will cover. The physical size of the fittings will also affect the number that looks best. Two very small fittings may give adequate light but look lost, while three larger ones could seem crowded. You may even find some very small fittings that work well as a group of six. Take into account the width of the surface as well as the length so you can ensure it is all well lit. You may be able to change the brightness of the lamp in the fittings to give a good work light in the number of fittings that look best. Avoid creating strong bright/dark contrast areas on a work surface. More overlapping less-bright light is better than few brighter ones that leave dark patches between them. Also consider whether there are other elements in the space that the group of light fittings could relate to, whether window mullions, cupboard doors, seating etc. If something else is creating a strong rhythm, decide whether you want to echo, or offset that or have the lighting as a background element that doesn't have a strong relationship to it.

Miramar Kitchen Makeover Getting from a Then to a Now takes commitment and we could not be happier for our delightful clients. They tell us they pinch themselves every morning and what an utter privilege it has been to contribute to a space filled with joy. Before: After: As with any meaningful transformation, this one started with thoughtful consideration of space planning. This previously busy space now feels relaxing and spacious whilst also adding a laundry, having more kitchen storage AND accommodating uncluttered display features. It's a great example of the power of a good layout and bringing in the light :-) Before: After: One 21sqm room contains three zones that are cohesive but also occupy a distinct space practical for their function. The new kitchen layout is a galley (meaning no corners), the dining table that was against a wall is now centralised giving access from all sides, and a laundry occupies a corner formally filled with unused fireplace. Before: After: The new layout is a galley style kitchen with the main benchtop extending the full length of the outer wall. It comfortably accommodates space for a long working bench, storage cabinetry, main kitchen appliances, as well as the contained laundry unit. No corner goes wasted with this particular layout. Tall elements such and fridge freezer and pantry are located on the opposite wall so they don’t block light or views. Adjusting the existing windows allowed for maximum bench space and a clear wall for cabinetry, hob and extractor as well as a succinct shape for a feature tile. Before: After: The former kitchen and dining room didn’t utilise the space as efficiently as it could. We removed the fireplace, reconfigured the room layout, added a laundry, tweaked existing windows to allow for a more open and accessible kitchen design and brought more natural light into the space through skylights. Before: After: NEW LAUNDRY The ‘Laundry in a Cupboard’ is in an accessible area with plenty of room around it when in use but able to be shut away and appear as one with the kitchen. SPECIFIC FEATURES • Enclosed cupboard space to fit washing machine and ventless dryer. • Space to accommodate a dirty laundry basket and a laundry basket for clean washing. • Tall and narrow cupboard for ironing board, floor mop and Dyson vacuum cleaner. • Higher additional shelving for infrequently used storage e.g. Christmas decorations. Before: After: SKYLIGHTS The wall was able to be used by deleting an ineffectual window and raising the height of another so a bench to run underneath. The natural light was generously supplemented with the inclusion of three fabulous skylights that bathe the whole space in light. Before: After: For this kitchen, the transformation was quite remarkable. The room went from a worn, dim and makeshift set up to a well functioning, modern and attractive space. Before: After: DISPLAY SHELVES The display shelves on the cabinetry corners facing the table create a comfortable feeling for dining, enhanced by the low feature pendant over the inviting round table. Before: After: AESTHETICS The overall palette aimed to be refreshing and a balance of pretty and smart. Some of the key features: ‘Contemporary character’ achieved through matte surfaces and clean lines. Precise, elegant and simple cabinetry. Colours and materials that balance fresh light walls bathed in natural light with cool and warm in balance. Cool tones from the subtle sage green/grey coloured cabinetry and detail in the marble splashback tiles Light, warm timber tones used on floor, furniture and joinery details. Before: After: PENDANT having low over dining table helps to create an intimate gathering space in an open plan area Before: After: OPEN STORAGE The custom timber joinery designed for the tall open shelving unit and above the sink visually create a sense of the space appearing larger. Purposefully placed on the corner of a block of cabinetry, the tall open shelving doesn’t completely block off the view from the dining area. At the same time the open shelving is useful for placing items and small appliances that are frequently used, adding to the range of storage possibilities within the space.

Our clients came to us with a kitchen that hadn't been touched since the early 70s and required a complete renovation which included opening it up to the dining and lounge areas to create an open living plan with great flow to the exterior. The home also was surrounded by stunning views that the clients wanted to maximise. Before: The main working bench faced out to the view, and was on the large island, with a porcelain bench being a hard-wearing durable choice. This was combined with a granite feature benchtop which provided a focal point as you walked into the space, and played with different heights to break up the large surfaces. Extra storage in the form of toe kick drawers were added to the design, and storage was maximised to full height. After: Corners are notoriously tricky storage areas, and getting easy access to these requires a good product. My favourite is the Hafele Le Mans unit and in this kitchen project it provides a great alternative solution to having to reach into those dark spaces. If you need some extra space to stash your cash....hide the cookies from the grandies, or storage over sized platters, a hidden toekick draw is the answer. The Blum system is smooth running and can take a good amount of weight. After: The theme for the space was industrial luxury, and the black cabinetry with the aged brass handles and tapware created a moody, yet time-honoured aesthetic. We are also excited to share that this kitchen is a Finalist in the2022 TIDA New Zealand Kitchens Awards Check out the entire project here, as well as a walk-through! Products used: Blum - drawer systems and hardware Plumbline - aged brass tapware Laminex - Cabinetry Metalier - Metallic cabinetry Archant - Porcelain Benchtop Universal Granite - Granite feature benchtop