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.

There are bricks available as a cladding product for this purpose. They are the face of the brick not the weight or thickness of the real thing. This is used quick regularly to achieve what you are looking for in aesthetic. Check out Havwoods.com.au for example but there are many places available that stock what you are looking for. A lot of these products can be laid by tilers or the companies will be able to advise you or certified professionals who will be able to complete the installation for you.

I would leave it as is with a few tweaks. Put in bifold doors, guessing you have flies and mossies so some pull out fly screens or any flyscreens. Build a little stud wall with gyproc to hide the edge of the dresser, done right it should just look like the existing wall. I’ve done it before, just a cheap weekend job. Paint everything, Whisper white, will be lovely against the background of trees. Then furnish outside with some comfy furniture that you love. 1. The reason I wouldn’t close it in is because your bedroom looks a pretty good size. 2. Cost wise, it would be heaps more. 3. You won’t be able to hose the windows or sweep the cobwebs without the balcony. 4. The sun might hit the windows without the balcony and now you have the luxury of no curtains. 5.if you extend you will need to worry about insulation and flooring etc. 6. I love your balcony, I think you might miss it. Maybe add a bird feeder as well as your comfy furniture, sit back and enjoy.

Afternoon Houzzers…..we are revisiting our thoughts on our extension after this summer. We now realise we want the new space to be our primary bedroom with ensuite and clothes storage. We will convert our existing downstairs room into a Bunk room/kids playroom. Downstairs will comfortably house 2 families. Upstairs..we still want 3-4 metres added to the existing living…for more seating, activities, board games WFH space etc….the rest of the space will be our bedroom and bathroom. ..(we can not extend to the East) The room will be west facing and looking into our garden . The garden views are beautiful and I would like to capture them from the bedroom and through the living room (aspect and window requirements are drawn in Pink) The blue pen outlines the proposed extension…I feel it may need to be a bit bigger. I have a dilemma in that I want all that BUT I do not want to see my bed from the living room..when the door is open to catch the view….. Playing with the plan,doing cut and paste and I can’t get it right. I would love some fresh creative eyes to help me work this out please. We are on the Mornington Peninsula. We are in a flood zone, and have height restrictions, so we will not be able to build underneath the upstairs room..we hope to use it as a carport/outdoor room . I really appreciate any further input you may have. ……just trying to send updated plan..standby