Thanks Tilly, yes I think it'll be a really good exercise to think about how we live every day and what will support that. For example we had a BBQ on the weekend and the weather was quite cool, so my husband said how about a covered entertaining area to the rear of the house (north facing), but I'd rather have it open so the sun comes into the house every other day of the year! So we're investigating these fabric folding awnings... I might get us both to sit down and virtually go through our day to work out our ideal items. Thanks! Holly, thanks for sharing, some great ideas there. Yes I don't want a huge footprint, and survived for 10 years in a small Victorian terrace with a 'Euro' laundry behind fold-back cupboards in the bathroom and it never bothered me, so you've reminded me that I'd much rather that space devoted to more enjoyable areas! And keen on the versatility of a multi-purpose room, sounds like such a great approach, I work part-time from home plus my family is interstate so doubling as a guest bedroom would be perfect for us. Love the window bench with storage idea and yes I want an island bench that's clear of sinks etc. Wow those loft beds are amazing! Might pencil that in as an idea. Wonderful, thanks!

The best use of that space depends on what is happening around it. Which orientation does it face? How does it relate to the back garden? Are there views? How close is the neighbour, and is there a privacy issue? Good design is not about filling up space, but making a home work for the environment it is in and your future household needs. I might suggest that you look into the value that a professional designer can bring to a project, especially in the preparation of scaled plans with furniture to see how spaces work and flow (or don't work and don't flow!). Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls/Dr Retro Virtual Visits.

Hi Austere. Thanks for your comments. I guess it depends on your scope really. This renovation combines three rooms into one, so a fair bit of reframing, and moving plumbing around to achieve the clients desired layout. The laundry is behind sliders, behind from where the pictures are taken from, so this is a very large room. $15k is achievable, but you would need to be working on a more regular sized bathroom, stick closer to the original layout to save on plumbing & electrical, probably scale back a bit on tiling and fittings, and go to a standard sized cabinet shower rather than a large customized walk-in shower with glass to the ceiling. There are certainly more modest options available to meet budget. Please let me know if we can be of any assistance 🙂

Hi Liz. Thank you for getting in touch and I am glad you like the design. It was a risk putting pale upholstery on the bench seating, but the fabric is scotch guarded and the owners have had little problem with the fabric. The fabric can be laundered, however to remain in shape and to retain its quality, it is best to be dry cleaned, which the owners were happy to do if and when needed. I don't have photos of the remainder of the room available at this time, however the opposite side of the room features built in wardrobes along the wall and a bed. Essentially in the middle of the room is a large rug and some large flat cushions offering plenty of room for the child to play with his toys. I hope this information helps. Thanks and regards, Michelle