Ok, don't like the dark cushion, don't like the TV in the bedroom. You could go for pendant lighting using the same 'material' as the mirror? If you went for larger beside lamps while you have that mirror there, they would be fighting each other. In the programs I watch, they say to have 'a hero in the room'. In this case the mirror is the hero I think. Also the extra throw cushion for the bed could match one on the chair, so it ties in (or don't have one at all on the bed). If you did need a TV what about having one installed on the wall to the right of the chair,(looking at the photo) and make sure it can swivel out, so when you aren't watching TV in bed it can be against the wall, out of the way. Then you can have a lovely (glass) ornament or two, or a bunch of flowers sitting on it along with your photos. I love how you have your bed dressed, spot on! (without the dark cushion) I absolutely adore the blue shades in the duvet cover and I would draw those out into the room. Love that you have opened up your windows in the lounge. Maybe a throw rug and some colourful (same colours as in the duvet cover on your bed) cushions on the lounge suite as nothing is really popping! There doesn't seem to be any colour except for the flowers and the photos. Colourful paintings on the wall would be lovely too. Maybe the potted plants could be in coloured (as in your duvet cover) pots instead of white. I know you weren't asking about the lounge and if you are happy with it, then that is all that matters. Well done.

Hi Rachael and rhjaai Regarding batch numbers................I have not heard that one before, wondering who advised you of that, and which product. Quickstep, Godfrey Hirst, and other quality manufacturers do not have batches, as such, that require matching. You can replace a plank with another batch and it will make no difference. Rachael, I agree you have perfectly matched the floor with cabinet sample, and will look great, but if you haven't already purchased, I'd recommend you look at http://www.karndean.com/en-nz/floors/easy-fit-ranges/karndean-looselay These vinyl planks are amazing and are quickly becoming a best seller here in NZ, soft underfoot, easy to keep clean, R10 slip rating ( R11 is required behind bars/clubs etc, so very high), lifetime residential warranty, and look great.

1991_kid - I think you may have posted your sketch concept yesterday when asking about relocating your powder room? Floor area is measured to include external (and internal) wall thickness, even though the walls aren't usable floor area. A common newbie error is to not include the wall thickness in the calculation of squares. Your house looks very big, with a lot of perimeter wall, and when you include the perimeter wall thickness it will be much larger (and nore expensive) than you anticipated. The U-shape of the plan means that there is a lot of perimeter wall in realtion to the floor area, which will be counted in the squares, and add to your costs. A simpler rectilinear plan will be more cost-effective, easier to build, easier to roof, and more in line with your price per square expectation. I would suggest that you engage a local draftsperson to draw up your plan to scale, with the proper wall thicknesses so that your friendly builder has a better chance of giving you a rough estimate. Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Hi all, I can't seem to reply individually to your comments so here's a general one :) Thanks all for the suggestions and experience-I'm really intrigued by these suggestions of pavilion extensions, those links you attached Kate are super striking! Unfortunately for us we are on a fairly small block of land and one side of the house is a narrow driveway-we looked into building a garage/study on the ground but as we have to be 900mm from the neighbouring fence it was going to be very skinny and just not worth it. I appreciate the thoughts shared on keeping our feet on the ground but as we've two young kids and two dogs (and would love to have chickens again) I'm less and less inclined to give up more of the garden which is what we'd have to do if we extend out. Our verandah roof was done back in the 60's and slopes down and leaks in the rain so hence it needs to be lifted up if we were to build out. Kate, I LOVE your idea of the shed! We actually converted a massive steel shed into a gorgeous shed home when we lived in QLD on a massive rural block of land, loved how easy it was to 'knock' down a wall! :) Sadly we have learned the hard way that trying to save money by hiring a draftsperson that didn't ask us what our budget was has cost us time and money, but I guess in a way I'm grateful as this extra time has given me time to consider building up now instead of out. I'm getting a sense that it will be a lot more expensive to do so so might have to wait another 2-3 years to get re-finance happening. In the meantime we are making some changes to the current set up, slowly adding value and making it more enjoyable to live in :)