Hi Martea, I agree with Dohraime, an open bookcase would help create an entrance way and provide some storage that appears to be much needed from the floor plans. You asked about dimensions, I would personally make sure that the minimum clear space between the staircase and end of the book shelf is a minimum of 1200mm, but at the absolute minimum, 1000mm (1 metre) clear space is needed; thus it should be between 1200mm and 1500mm in length and the height should preferably match the head of your windows so approximately 2100mm. Depending upon the dimensions of your existing 3-seater sofa, I agree that you could back this onto the open bookcase. However, to ensure the best look, the sofa should end when the bookshelf does. As you can see from the diagram I have included, you could fit 2 arm-chairs and a coffee table in, however care will need to be taken to enure you have enough space to walk comfortably around the pieces of furniture. Try to search for a narrow coffee table. Given that you have replaced the curtains with shutters, you could place the television and console in front. This is not ideal in regards to lighting, but the space is constrained. I would also include a large rug (as depicted) for the living space so as to clearly define it. It could be approximately 3 x 1.8 m. This rug could be something bright and colourful given the muted colour scheme you have so far used. A bold pattern would also work. In regards to the dining area, it is possible to also fit a buffet in the space, and would again provide more storage. Something I noticed, and I am not sure it is within your budget, but the dividing wall around the staircase at the entrance is very dark and interrupts the clean lines you are going for. I would suggest if possible to remove it and replace with a glass balustrade. This would open up the space more and help to bring more light into this space. I hope this has been of help. If you want further advice or information please do not hesitate to contact me at admin@gracedesign.com.au and we can go from there.

Hi there Nick, looking at your photos you look like a modern hamptons family which is lovely, do you live in a warm climate. I did like the photo you posted of the open plan living and think that you are on the right track with interior colours I have marked out how I would like the first floor, I have moved the kitchen to the end wall to line up with BBQ outdoor kitchen, plumbing for this would have easy access via the garage below. The white tiles look lovely and hard wearing for the entrance foyer and Rumpus room, the stairs in timber due to the amount of traffic even continuing in up stairs foyer kitchen dining living, Carpet in bedrooms and downstairs theater. Kitchen in white but possibly Shaker style white doors these are very popular. Using existing sliding exterior doors if possible from kitchen.Dining to verandah, I think this ceiling would be best kept white to help reflect light back indoors, the tiles appear to be in good order but you might consider changing these along with new upstairs flooring Some where for a laundry shute would be handy, actually a Dumb Waiter so you could move the laundry with ease both up and down! The roof painted a soft colour, grey/white or off white, the verandah railing could be the same colour or you could do glass. The builder had a very different style of house to what I think you are wanting. Your photo

These are great photos Siriusky. I notice they all have a double driveway on flat land. This might be a stretch with the council, and financially, to install a double crossover, and the retaining work required. This also would still require reversing onto road, from driveway. With flat retained parking in the front of home, there would be extra parking and ability to reverse out of parking bay, to drive forwards onto road. Duncangill12, you have, as per your survey, 8429mm available to make into flat parking and retaining wall, in the front of home. As previously mentioned, take your requirements to council. They will be able to investigate where service lines are to home, water, etc. Refer to comments from Paul Di Stefano Design,(yesterday)this may be an expensive but good option. Always pending council approval.

I don't want to lecture , just pointing out some things I've noticed -- Often , 2 things that look the same on-line are quite different when you see them side by side -- different quality , different materials , etc . That's where buying from somewhere trustworthy is important . And sale prices are complicated . Some businesses have a high recommended price , but almost always have 20% or 50% off sales -- they get what they want $$$ wise , but you think you have gotten 1 over them . Other places have genuine sales to clear last seasons stock . Others only sell their unsellable stuff on sale -- in other words , theres a reason it is cheap . Still others need the $$$ , and you are getting a genuine bargain , but they mightn't be there in 6 months time . Not too bad for a rug , but not great for a car or TV . Basically , the best quality , sought after stuff from known suppliers is almost never 'on sale' . I pick out what I want , weigh up the options , and decide on the day who gets my $$$ from that point .