Bravo to all these amazing creative minds. I hate wasting stuff that still has life in it. By the way, though I have read that some pallets are treated with a fumigant which is toxic. Generally, make sure pallets are stamped with “HT”, which means they haven’t been exposed to chemicals (at least not in the treating process.) Avoid unmarked pallets or those with “MB” for methyl bromide. Well, if anyone wants some really nice, bargain 2nd hand windows we just pulled out of our 12 y-o house to make way for a sliding door, and you live around Melbourne Australia, please check them out here: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/112070272414?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1586.l2649

Hi Violet, How exciting new projects are always stressful but soooo rewarding in the end! A cluster of pendants sounds brilliant :) they are certainly on trend at the moment and give clients the ability to put a cluster together they love! Also helps when you're a bit indecisive. You can certainly fit a cluster in this space, the drama is in the staggered ceiling heights, not just the width and spacing of the pendants themselves. These are some options on how you can space your pendants, there are no strict rules or dimension requirements when designing and placing your pendants. You are free to explore your creativity with this! So do not take the above as mandatory just a general idea. Some options you can do are: https://www.golights.com.au/sandra-lidner-selene-pendant-light-in-clear https://www.golights.com.au/pendant-light-tom-dixon-etch-shade-e27-32cm https://www.golights.com.au/foscarini-urquiola-and-gerotto-caboche-pendant-light-in-clear https://www.golights.com.au/pendant-light-tom-dixon-etch-shade-e27-47cm  https://www.golights.com.au/pendant-light-stainless-steel-tom-dixon-etch-web-e27-65cm You can also do a range of pendants from the same family, but in different shapes for example the George Nelson Bubble Series: https://www.golights.com.au/george-nelson-bubble-lamp-ball-pendant-light-white-50cm-criss-cross https://www.golights.com.au/george-nelson-bubble-lamp-apple-50cm Of course the design depends on what is filling that void for example the shape and path of your staircase! Once you have some drawings or a photo feel free to send them over if you still need some more help! Good Luck with your build and search for the perfect pendants! You can always call us on 1300 798 220 for more help!

When I first wrote in August 2017 we got a lot of great suggestions and comments. At the time we had accepted the limitations of the block (easements, tree, solar access etc). It is now one year later and I can tell you we found a way to move the garage to the south-west corner. This allowed us to move Beds 2 and 3 and the bathroom to the northern side. Pantry and laundry between garage and kitchen/living/dining. I think it was all of the comments and suggestions that encouraged us to look at it again from different angles, rather than just accepting the limitations. Thanks to everyone for their generosity! The solution involved working around a lovely tree (it is nice, just in the wrong spot). It is still in the way (council said we couldn't remove it) but we've opted for a long, curving driveway that starts on the other side of the block and weaves its way around the treeline to the garage entry. Not ideal, because a large portion of the front setback will now be a hard surface, instead of a garden. But if there is one thing that designing teaches you - its all about compromises. Thanks everyone. MB Design & Drafting Shara C Nik Star girlguides oklouise siriuskey genkii saragraham76 Andy Pat brizcs Mel N 3D Home Concepts suancol Caro

yes oklouise, I hear all that - absolutely yes it's all about clients understanding/working out properly what they need.........and it's great to be able to seek comments/thoughts on Houzz from a broad range of backgrounds/experiences......the issue though is when it gets into territory where (from my perspective) clearly experience and professional skill will help resolve the problem most effectively (such as on this particular one) that it's therefore appropriate to suggest this the advised way to go.......I suppose I see frequently here capacity for designers to be able to "cut to the chase" most effectively, but of course this needs to be done in a manner underpinned by a thorough understanding and establishment of what the client needs in context, and yes very often the client will require more time to work this all through.........I however still see our role as relevant in that part of the process though, and not necessarily having to "wait" for that to happen, because ultimately as professionals in this position (i believe) have a responsibility (as part of our role as a consultant) to educate people appropriately and thoroughly so they can develop the skills to be able to consolidate their decision-making most appropriately for themselves and the project - by the end of the journey, I find my clients are rather quite the experts!..........this however involves a collaborative approach, egos are shelved and an intimate working relationship, which is very different from the approach (that some designers work to) which is essentially selling a "product" or particular end result, rather than a service....significant difference, and again, horses for courses ;)