Hi Blufitch, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The four coffee tables are lovely, but I would probably opt for one of the two top ones. That being said, check the measurements first as these round tables might be significantly larger than your existing Ikea table. Re the potted plant, a taller one would be better, or you can put this one on a plant stand or even on a ceramic stool. But if you feel a mirror would be too much due to your mirrored splashback, leave the plant as it is and hang a framed print above the plant. It doesn't need to be big, but it's important that it s not too small so it doesn't look too "lost" on the wall. It's hard for me to judge the size from here, but a 70x40 frame might be ok. You could have only the yellow canvas above the couch, but you would have to bring in a few more brightly-coloured cushions or throw onto the couch, to compensate for the empty wall. Alternatively, you could also hang a large mirror above the couch. If you decide to do this, I think it would be best to move the canvas back to where it was, and hang the mirror in front of the window, so it reflects the natural light around and gives more depth to the room. The large Ikea Stave mirror (in white stained oak) is very reasonably priced and would work great. Just double check it fits first (it's 70x160)! Tell us how yo go! All the best, Nelly / Twinkle and Whistle

@angelasusanm The advice you have given about how to prioritise your approach to creating a home (orientation, budget, family needs and dynamics, then exterior) is AWESOME. It is so great to hear homeowners understanding that the investment in design is worthwhile - I believe it is where your home is made ... where it can realise its full potential, or be a handicap and compromise your daily life. It can be hard to be patient ... usually when homeowners actually hit the 'go' button on building or renovating, there has been YEARS of wishing, planning, dreaming and collecting of ideas. So when it finally comes time to put all of that hoping into planning and action, you can be at breaking point. REALLY sick of your existing home, or really excited (or desperate!) to get into a new home, or a bigger renovated home, or a home with more modern spaces and conveniences, or the area you actually want to live in ... the list goes on. So it's understandable that homeowners can want to race through the design process - or choose a plan from a catalogue that suits their needs for size and function - and just get it built. Whilst lines are on a page though, that is where things are relatively inexpensive. It's where you can explore ideas, make sure you're making the most of your site and your money, and that you're setting yourself up for a home and life that is as great as it can be. Because once you start building, that linework becomes permanent choices you have to live with on a daily basis. It also is difficult to keep an eye on the big picture. Building and renovating may feel like one big decision - but it's actually a series of small decisions. Often you'll make one, which will lead to another, which will lead to another. And if the first decision hasn't been made with the best information, or with the best framework - then every consequential decision can lead you down a rabbit hole and just make matters worse. So, stepping back and remembering what you're seeking to achieve ... which for many people is a family home that is functional, flexible, comfortable and safe (and that doesn't financially stress them) ... is the important helicopter view to get yourself back to when things seem to be frustrating or overwhelming you. Doing this all whilst your home is on paper, is seriously such a great investment of time and energy. - Amelia, UA x www.undercoverarchitect.com.au amelia@undercoverarchitect.com.au

Your problem is the heat generated by the fence and the pool and path. Anything you plant will have to be super tough. All plants loose and replace their leaves. Evergreen drop some leaves all the time and deciduous once a year. Adding pebbles will only reflect more heat and is becoming a dated look along with the cordylines. I'm not sure of your climate but a bullet proof evergreen plant that will cover the fence and take sun, drought and frost is the nandina domestica. Upright growing but no pruning required. There are new varieties of this plant but this one is just the right height to cover the fence. If you get cold weather in winter you will also get autumn colour. Will sucker from the bottom to fill the gap but not a garden thug. Has berries but because of the upright habit should fall into the garden bed. Sometimes called sacred bamboo but not a bamboo.

Hi HU-648755060 A couple of questions for you. Do you have any floorplans or other details as well? A lot of people say Hampton's Style but that in itself can vary greatly between people. What you have picked out so far all sounds pretty good. I would look at a darker stain, like an espresso for the flooring. The darker automatically adds a feeling of understated luxe. I assume you are doing larger architraves, crown mouldings and skirts and these are painted white? Are you doing a grey grout on the splashback? For a more modern/industrial twist, look for a concrete finish to your kitchen benches. Remember that the concrete looks can be rather patterned so look at full slab pictures before choosing. If you go down this path I would keep all of them the same, vanities, laundry benchtops and kitchen benchtops. Otherwise you could look at a dramatic marble look such as Smartsone Blanco Molassa for the island and then a pared back white, for the other benchtops throughout the house. I hope this helps.