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

metal posts can be bolted to the concrete floor with a metal bracket called a "stirrup" there's a brand called Uni-pier with multiple sizes available at the major hardware stores and then attach sections of plastic lattice (friendlier for attaching plants) ...make sure the posts are installed at standard distances to suit the size of the panels..eg four panels 1200 wide x 2400 tall installed between 5 posts would allow for a wide doorway at one end or two panels could be installed horizontally between three posts with gaps at the top and bottom with a line of big oblong shaped pots for climbing plants and wall hung pots could be attached to the lattice

Hi Soshu, Megan from Bluethumb online art gallery here. I agree that you could open up the space by removing those boxy units above the TV. I would also think that because it's such a dark room, adding a mirror somewhere could help brighten up the space. I'd also suggest adding white or teal sheer curtains instead of the blockout blinds for a softer, brighter look. You've also got a great opportunity to add some artwork with that empty wall behind the couch there. Since you've already chosen an accent colour of a teal blue, why not find an artwork that matches with your colour scheme? Artwork will really help to personalise the space, especially an original piece that you love. At the moment, it does feel a little impersonal. I'd suggest going with a showstopping piece that will generate conversation the moment people spy it. Some suggestions from popular Australian artists are: This gorgeous print by Indigenous artist Bradley Kickett, who was a finalist in our art prize this year: https://bluethumb.com.au/bradley-kickett/Artwork/burlong-pool-165976 Another print by another finalist from our prize, Renata Waterfall: https://bluethumb.com.au/renata-waterfall/Artwork/and-everything-else-is-still A large resin piece by popular artist, Annette Spinks: https://bluethumb.com.au/annettespinks/Artwork/deeper-series-crevices-2 Some other suggestions from some of our most popular artists: https://bluethumb.com.au/vanessa-mae/Artwork/coral-garden-vanessa-mae https://bluethumb.com.au/sharonmonagleart-com/Artwork/she-breathes-indigo-into-an-empty-sky https://bluethumb.com.au/sharonmonagleart-com/Artwork/and-then-you-were-gone https://bluethumb.com.au/dinah-wakefield/Artwork/oceans-embrace-7 https://bluethumb.com.au/alorna-co/Artwork/azurite We also have some fine art photography from contemporary Australian photographers, which can certainly have a huge impact: https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/hugh-hamilton/artwork/swan-lake-1-hugh-hamilton https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/matty-smith/artwork/new-pennies https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/alex-frayne/artwork/breaking-good https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/damien-drew/artwork/shima_river-gunma-2012 https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/damoscope/artwork/misty-morning-2-damian-seagar https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/martine-perret/artwork/le-lagon-bleu https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/pennyp/artwork/thalassophile I hope this helps! Let me know if you'd like any more suggestions.

Sorry but I am confused by the purpose and function of this entire space. Form follows function.... But I am not seeing the function being clear so that is causing the problem with the design. Your layout and comments imply that: someone is playing piano, someone is watching movie in theatre room, someone is playing with toys, someone is watching huge TV in living area, someone is cooking.... All at the same time. If so, then these needs will dictate the design... Or whatever your specific needs are. I would start by defining function priorities (storage, view, access, etc) and then work from there ~ prioritise these functions and estimate boundaries/size to define zones that are needed. Have another plan of things that cannot be changed easily - windows, kitchen, powerpoints - with dimensions from reference point. Ask questions like: how often will we/I use this _ do we really need separate piano room_ do we need to use French doors daily _ do I want to walk past new lounge suite carrying food _why would iI use both theatre room and living room at same time _ do I need all these windows or can I fill in one to get more function in the space _ Good luck as you will have to balance needs and wants!