Well nasmijati has much to offer. For my mind i would like to get an understanding of who you are before thinking too much ahead friendlykim. If we leave climate change, fire zones, function, ergonomics and sustainability to one side we might consider your childhood experiences, your passions, sufferings, do you like literature/ Japanese poetry? - will you have mist in the winter months? what music do you like? imagination as play in defining space, choreographing shade and light, will you have children to consider, would you consider a more elemental use of water for swimming and other opportunities in place of a lap pool? we could talk about art, what artists you love, insight beyond reason which comes through our relationship that your garden may feed your mind on a daily basis. Have you travelled? Does the north African civilization have anything to teach you for garden application? - what is your latitude? Has contemplation placed it's hand on your shoulder by this stage of your life? I should stop - for me it's not really about design, it's about the life of the mind and arousing latent, hidden aspects of who you are - your life narrative. This is how I would start making a garden for you and preferably over lunch - it is primarily about love in the end!

If this was my place, I'd definitely install a skylight (even just a DIY solatube which someone suggested), then depending on budget I'd make these changes:- - replace floors with light colour timber floorboards since they never date - replace furniture with light colour furniture in both lounge and kitchen - paint kitchen and hutch white - add some plants in white pots - go for large light coloured wall art - replace curtains with roller blinds to maximise light I love the bluestone - it will look amazing when you've added some lighter colours to the room!

Thanks how2girl, yes it is similar. The basin I have posted has quite wide rounded corners and quite a fine edge to it which then seems to taper down gently. As its teamed with an Italian tap, wondering if its also from that part of the world? Any leads from International houzzers? - its really a very nice basin! generous and not too utilitarian.

Oskuee the illusion of a window is a good idea! Bigreader I can't believe I have forgotten about the chimney, we hadn't even considered this! I think my hubby and you are all right that the idea of rendering the whole front is a no go! Mel N thank you, I have never known what to search for, 'transitional' has come up with a few things that I like I think I'll be on the computer all night now haha!! Oklouise we don't sit on the front balcony as we have a back balcony that's bigger and a nicer surrounding. The stairs are definitely not comfortable, we had considered having the stairs how you have done it in the picture (which by the way is amazing, I'm a visual person so this has really helped). I do really like this idea, what would you do to make it more entry like? Another driveway maybe? I've added another picture (excuse all the mess out the front). Thanks again for all the replies this is really helpful!!