No, no, no and no in that order! I refuse to have any technology in my place of slumber. Hell's bells and cockle shells, is no place ever without something flashing bright lights in my face? One must let ones brain tune out such monstrosities of 'gadgets' and entertainment so as to slip into a princess sleep of wonderment. In other words, I shall not take into my budoir anything which is distracting for me to nod off. That includes men....it's a story....another time.....

I had 3 female joeys and two bedrooms which led to constant 2 -v- 1 situations so nights were generally a game of musical beds. There was always one child who needed time out or was given time out. When we added the extra bedroom, the serenity was bliss. They could still share when they wanted but it was all up to them, it was not forced on them so relationships definitely improved after that. I think the age of the children and the age difference is a very important aspect. Younger children are more than happy to share for the security and comfort when the lights go out. Older children need their space and privacy especially for study. Children after puberty can get extremely sensitive about their bodies and need privacy more than ever in this adjustment period. You cannot expect to put say an 8 year old with a 3 year old - by 8 kids are usually developing attachments to "special" keepsakes, something 3 year olds don't understand and this can cause a lot of resentment when things get broken or trashed. Pre children I always felt them sharing bedrooms would lead to wonderful relationships, the children would learn to share, care and appreciate each other. Now I'm older and wiser, separate bedrooms is sanity for everyone.

To add texture and softness to a room i would always recommend a curtain.. For bedrooms I always recommend a blockout with a sheer curtain hung very close to the cornice .. Depending on the “fall” of the fabric.. ( how it sits) your window treatment professional will recommend a style ( double pinch pleat, reverse pleat, s fold) but they will recommend the best pleat to showcase the fabric you choose .. However here is a cheap but smart alternative. Firstly.. very rarely do I hang either curtains or blinds within the window “reveal” I always go at least a minimum of 150mm above the window for blinds and generally always up to the cornice for the curtains. When you hang in the reveal you lose the height and a portion of the view.. You want to highlight a view so this is why I’m suggesting it! Plus it always makes your room look bigger. But .. if this is not for you then Alternatively you can get a sunscreen blind hung within the reveal and hang a curtain above roughly 150mm about be the reveal. The curtain should “frame” the window on either side of the window frame wall .. NOT covering a good portion of the window.. you want most of the fabric to sit in the wall when open. The combo blind / curtain is your most economical.. But I have always always hung curtains in bedrooms without fail.. It gives you that element of texture and luxe that is very hard to beat!!

My daughter ran her business from her bedroom until they could afford a 3 bedroom house, their 2 bedder with two boys and no where else to fit an office was a very difficult time which thankfully they all survived. Having your office in your bedroom should be avoided at all cost, as you never leave the office behind as my daughter found out. Your bedroom is where you go to relax , I certainly wouldn't give up my sanctuary for anyone, even my kids. You are there full time so it makes sense. Your house already has enough rooms, except for making a small change to allow for another bedroom albeit small next to the bathroom as per my suggestion, Both of these rooms have space for the boys to have a desk (they don't need a lot of storage being part time) The desk in the living area can be built in to hide an office. This is a low cost solution and won't damage resale value. If down the track you can afford the new deck, try to work out to fit a room underneath as a hang out (media) area for the boys. not sure about WA but rooms like these in some states can have ceiling height at 2100, depends on what name!! you give them. My son is in a similar situation to you, except he now lives in a Studio Apartment in Sydney, so when he has his two kids 50 50 they make do in that space and seem to manage very well.