Turning something that is run-down into an inviting space again is very rewarding. This is one of our favourite ever transformations in the Perth suburb of Mount Lawley: After - top storey addition, open plan living extension at the rear, indoor/outdoor living complete with an outdoor kitchen. Just stunning.

Couldn't give enough paw paws away - they produced so many so fast. Capsicum and tomatoes were fantastic in my raised garden beds. Haven't bought any herbs all summer -growing those is just so easy. Had plenty of out of season leeks and garlic too. Now my orange, lemonade trees, and pomegranate are topping up my fruit requirements. Looking forward to my year old avocado and mango fruiting next year? I never. ever use pesticides. Don't mind sharing a few things with the pests, and happy knowing we eat organically. Thinking a couple of chooks as next on the agenda, but will have to train my dog not to chase and kill them. Just love my quarter acre block garden. Bought this house just for the garden, and that's the truth. Not too keen on many of the house features, but can't get decent sized gardens in the city any more unless one pays a small fortune [which we don't have]. We're still less than an hour from the city, and local needs are well met in this area south of Perth.

Clever planning of the location and taking into consideration the overall usage of the house by others can resolve all these issues. I have worked from home for many years. I have worked out how to do it :)

4 weeks to completion, from the wall removal and new window install, this kitchen now has a whole new feel to it. the island just makes sense and removing the daggy tiles to reveal the original floorboards makes all the difference. not to mention the new appliances and their clever placement plus endless cabinet storage space.