I agree with the suggestion to grow hedges or shrubs on either side of the stairs. I would suggest replacing the existing pots on either side of the top of the stairs which much larger "statement" pots with some interesting, tall and narrow architectural plants to create an artificial "doorway" and somewhat "grand entrance" onto the deck. I would potentially compliment those pots with some smaller, rectangular planter boxes around the edges of the deck (with much shorter, but complimentary plantings) to enhance the feeling that it is an outdoor room (and to prevent anyone from accidentially stepping off the edge of the deck). I would also re-arrange the furniture so that there is a clear thoroughfare from the stairs to the timber doors. And I would consider creating a faux entry feel by removing the blue box/esky (?) against the wall between the window and door and replacing it with a small, durable/outdoor "console table" and then hanging an appropriate outdoor artwork or even a mirror above the table. For example: http://www.bigw.com.au/home-gifts/home-décor/arboreta-mirror-107699.htm This might help the space to feel more like an "entry". You could even go for the obvious and add a "welcome" mat outside the door and/or a painting with "welcome to my/our home" (or a similar phrase) on the wall. For example: http://www.target.com.au/p/wall-words-hello/56300024

Minor (unprofessional) comments: - there appears to be a lot of dead space between the double doors entry and the double doors onto the deck. I'm not sure how you plan to use that space, other than having some bar stools at the island bench, but it seems as though it is a very large thoroughfare that may be coming at the expense of utilising that "space" elsewhere in the design. - I personally like an "enclosed" entry (i.e. when you walk into the house you don't see everything all at once). I'm not sure whether that is something which is important or even relevant to you. It's just one of those personal preferences. - I'd consider moving the fireplace so that it's more visible when you first enter the home (i.e. instead of it being "behind" you when you enter). I think it could be a nice focal point on the right hand side wall as you enter. Although, changing the placement of the fireplace will depend upon how you want to use it and particularly whether you're planning on having a large, long sofa facing the fireplace. It's not ideal to walk into a home and immediately be confronted by the back of a sofa either. - I would personally include a "return" (?) in the fridge space so that you can't see the side of the fridge. - the walk in pantry looks very big in comparison to the kitchen, especially given the generous meals and living. With five people in the house, a large pantry may be a necessity, but I would try to sacrifice some space from the pantry to make the kitchen more generous. Having five people trying to grab drinks and snacks, prepare meals, etc in the kitchen looks like it might be a challenge. - I'd consider moving the double doors to the deck from the current position to the wall between the meals and deck and expanding the kitchen out into that space. I'd then put a timber screen, partition or half-height wall to help screen the view of the (expanded) kitchen from the double doors entry. - I would include plenty of sound proofing in the shared wall between bedroom 4 and the living area to ensure that the occupant of that room isn't kept awake or awoken by noise from the kitchen and living areas. - the three-way main bathroom is a good idea. I would make sure that both vanities have lots of storage space so that they can be divided between the other three occupants in the house. - I'm presuming that the five occupants are yourselves and your three children. If there is another adult living in the house, or a teenager who is likely to stay at home for some time, I would consider turning the library into a bedroom, the study into a small ensuite and then using one of the other bedrooms as a "library". - in the ensuite, instead of having windows on either side of the mirror, I'd consider putting a narrow window above the mirror and having a full-size mirror (although that then creates issues with the reflection when using the toilet, although that's another personal preference. - I'd try to include skylights into the WIR, laundry and study if possible. It's nice to have some "daylight" choosing clothes and it would help the laundry and study to feel like more welcoming places. If they're dark spaces with cold artificial lighting, then you may not want to spend much time there. Good luck!

I have high ceilings downstairs 2.7m and std door and window height and looks fine but do have wider front door 870mm don't like tall and skinny doors. Having said that on one wall do have higher windows and they look fantastic but that was to catch sun and block out ugly neighbour house so std window size just fitted higher but look so good in my downstairs open plan area could have gone larger height windows all around but don't have verandah across front house that would look odd with higher windows and no light benefit and more heat n cold thru glazing. Good luck with your decisions

Getting a quote on the Grande Statuario. I think it’s going to be significantly dearer than our first quote ☹️ The crispness of the White is perfect with great veining. Second quote being done with main island in the Statuario and with Smartstone along benches under window and into pantry, in case the first is too dear. Took our Lexicon 1/4 and overhead samples with us. Really happy with the choices. I just hope the first quote isn’t too dear as I’d prefer all white but I’d be happy with the combination of both tops.