Hi Cecblake, Once your satisfied with your layout, you can firmly stick the postcards onto paper and fix or wrap it to the wall with a good quality double sided sticky tape, a generous strip across the top and bottom to hold it in place. Then apply the pre drilled Perspex over it ensuring you have left a 5mm border around the outside edge of the paper and screw it in (screwing into a stud or using plaster board screws if not) Perspex prices vary depending on the thickness, size and quality. It is a durable and flexible material but avoid using it in a high traffic volume area, for example foot level as it is prone to scratching. Look at some affordable examples in your local hardware store to begin with, I suggest a 3mm sheet which can be easily wiped clean, keep the postcards protected it can be replaced later with higher quality if your satisfied with your look. (Tip : apply the double sided tape straight onto the wall firmly, only removing the second strip when your ready to fix your paper to it. Also do not stick onto the Perspex, this way you can easily remove it or replace it later if you choose and still keep your postcard template undamaged.) Finally, Yes that was one of my works :) Enjoy!

Let's keep it nice, I don't think EthanWes is as precious as you may think and it is a forum for personal opinions after all. I also thought the comeback was unnecessarily aggressive & unwarranted. I would keep whatever you put there quite subtle and simple in colour so it doesn't draw the eye. You've got a nice retro/scandi feel from the look of it, see it as another way to carry this through?! So some ideas: - a small succulent in a low 1-2" pot, possibly including a trailing one such as Silver Falls (though don't let it get too out of hand!), will help make it look less compartmenty. Or even Ikea http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/40349079/ - a couple of neutral coloured cookbooks stacked horizontally. - a nice low serving dish in a soft grey - but make it one you will actually use, not just for aesthetics! ; D I have a similar one to this https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/kitchen-and-dining/serving/60209668/Tiro-Salad-Bowl.html https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/kitchen-and-dining/serving/60203911-9084/Tapas-Salad-Bowl.html and use it a lot. - or, if you like your tech, it could be a great place for a small wireless speaker. Expensive example, but something like the Bose Soundlink Mini If you're looking for more ideas, 'open shelving' should provide lots though you are constrained with the very low height of the shelves.

In my early twenties I designed kitchens for my mother and two aunts (Uncle built them and they worked), but when it came to designing my own - had to fit a constrained space and no possibility of extension - I chewed my lips for ages - like Nicole, I drew and measured ad infinitum, and used graph book walls, views etc. I did one extra thing - which I think worked - I listed all that I wanted to store, and tried to analyse how I liked working in the kitchen. Some things I had to settle for because of space (such as a smaller dishwasher) but most of it has worked. We have a corner pantry, which I (and the cat, husband a bit larger) can walk into, but have not put small appliances in there - they sit in a large drawer beneath the main working bench, which also works well. It all looks good to me Nicole and thinking carefully about needs and how things work in advance usually results in something you'll be happy with. Good luck!

TAKE YOUR TIME before you commit to plan. Don't rush and don't let others rush you. The section will talk to you and tell you what it needs - if you are prepared to take the time to look and listen to it. Where does the sun rise and set? Does the site face North, South, East or West? Where are the views? What direction do the prevailing winds come from? Are there any water courses that might cause flooding issues? What direction do you approach the site from? Are there existing trees or other natural features that need to be included and considered. What soil type are you dealing with - rocky, volcanic, boggy, clay etc. Make a list of all the things that you think will be important to know about the site itself for ever starting picking out floor plans. Once you have the answers to those questions, the type of floorplan you require will begin to automatically narrow a little, making your job a lot easier. When you have a good picture of where you feel your basic rooms might be best located, then work out a budget. Build in a contingency amount that you will not go above. THEN go and talk to an architect. I know, the idea of employing an architect sounds expensive and it can be but it can also be the best money you ever spend. Friends of ours have just built an architecturally designed home on a very modest budget and it is just the most wonderful wee house, with loads of unique features that had they gone for a standard 'off the plan' house, they would have missed out on. I'm not going to suggest the type of house you should have. You don't need to know that from me. Formulate what design types you like. Make a scrap book of colours and styles you like. When I read your letter, your thoughts seemed to me, to be all over the place. You are excited - I get that but start to control you enthusiasm and begin to narrow your focus just a little..... actually, quite a lot. I get that this is your dream home but if you don't focus, you can make it your nightmare and that would be such a shame. Start with the basic approach above. Listen to others by all means but once you know the basis of design you are going for, stick with it - and that's why I say to use an architect. A good architect will help you to focus. Best of luck. It will be nice to see the progress.