The inside is fine its just ideas for the outside which is an add on and looks like just wanted a clue as to making the house blend nicely with the addition thanks

Thank you, Neryl. The new stairs solved three issues. We were governed by the distance from the entry to the side fence/retaining wall, hence the new stairs do not impede on either. This traditional design suits Queenslander's and we also improved access by having direct access from the driveway. Our client was more than happy to take on our design expertise in this field. Overall the project exceeded our client's expectations.

We are ploughing our way through renovating a house of the same era, it's a lovely home to live in with it's walls of boards and pressed metal ceilings, we have kept it, where possible, as it was built over a hundred years ago in1898. These houses have very little storage as people of those days didn't have much and I sometimes wonder why we do today. We still have a way to go but the light is at the end of the tunnel and this dear old house wraps it's arms around us each day and those of you that have never lived in a wooden house have missed one of life's great pleasures.

Yes, it does come down to personal taste, but the overall look of your initial kitchen that has the concrete look tiles is beautiful. It would appeal to a wider audience too I think than the navy blue. If you concrete look tiles looked like those in the picture it would look great (as compared to a more matt look concrete tile which may not look as good). I say no to the herringbone look timber in your whole place downstairs. It will probably cost more to lay and I think it adds complexity that you don't need in a home as beautiful as an old queenslander. If you do decide on timber, I would stick with it being just straight planks. (Herringbone is flavour of the month now and I love it for tiles, but it makes a very big statement that not appeal to everyone if you are putting it in a much bigger area like kitchen etc). Good luck.