Hi Sandy, I haven't personally worked with anyone as some of our owners are still picking their jaws up off the floor stage with the requirements for engineering, specs, costs etc that they're up for - which is why I raised it in the first place. Let me comment on your points. EC's are LIABLE for the decisions make and the impacts of those decisions on all owners, the building and themselves so under their duty of care they're going to want the t's crossed and the i's dotted. They've got skin on the table that other owners don't have so are truly invested in what's happening and working with owners when and where possible. You indicated that you were looking for a design that would be sell-able to the EC - they'll automatically require that it's in keeping with the other buildings so that's already your starting point. Talk to them before you engage anyone to design so that you know how they think - they'll want to work with you and be on your side to improve the building and it's live-ability). I'd also suggest that you invite a nominated member of the EC to sit in on any briefings you give to designers/contractors so that you have a smooth run and have the EC as part of your solution not an obstacle to your problem being fixed. In your comment regarding precedent unless you know for a fact that the structures on the other buildings were put up after the completion of the original build - I'd argue that: If the shade structures on the other buildings were part of the original build then no EC within the buildings life have had to approve or reject a request for the structures and those structures are part of the building which makes it part Common Property and therefore there is no precedent. If the other buildings shade structures were fitted after the bylaws were set then you need to find out how the bylaws were done - exclusive to a particular unit or particular group of units OR as a blanket bylaw for all the apartments across all the buildings within the complex as this will impact on your costs. If by-laws (regardless of how they've been done) pertaining to shade structures on other buildings exist then the EC "can't reasonably withhold permission providing that criteria are met" but they can put conditions on it which is why its a good idea to talk to them before you talk to designers/architects/suppliers. If the by-laws don't exist then they have the right every right to say "you want it, you pay for the Bylaw change" (and how they elect to do that will be up to the EC and the Strata Manager not to you) or they could just say "no". Regarding your comments regarding building codes that's mute at this point - you, your fellow owners and the EC should be looking at product/design will be fit for purpose (ie., making sure that it's got suitable wind ratings, the structural integrity to deal with conditions and location requirements and impact of the specific product etc. and how it'll be managed long term. It's assumed that it'll be installed to building code and will be stated in their permission conditions as a standard clause.

Hmmmm...sorry to say I agree with jmm, there are no air fresheners that freshen the air, they just mask the smell. Looks like the security screen option may be the long term solution. Not sure if you are renting or own the unit? I installed Crimsafe sliding screens in my unit and they are great, doors to my balcony always open now with screens locked, fresh safe n sound :)

Hi Jennifer, I concur with all the other comments here but please avoid all dead corners! Make one long stretch of cupboards along under the window and put cook top at dining end: it will be safer. Sink and DW doesn't matter at family room end. I would keep the oven tower with microwave on the other wall with the fridge, build in as large a pantry as you can there and have drawers everywhere. Outside I suggest a pergola with deciduous vine over it. It will allow sun thru in winter and beautiful green cool shade in summer. Tho having said that I do not know where you are. Maybe building pergola up from the raised garden bed, leaving room for planting underneath and vine over the structure will make area look larger. Always love to see the final results. Hope the bathroom is ok: better the water on the outside of the walls! Hah Cheers Margot

Actually, your style isn't really very scandi in my opinion. It's industrial and rustic. I'd match recycled and chunky timbers with the concrete, a timber with rich reds. There is a company near me that makes plywood panels with recycled wood veneer attached. They're too far for you but might give you some ideas for a feature wall. I'd start with a few tins of paint and some colour actually. you'd be surprised what that can do! I'm fixing, well technically my second home but with our first we figured fairly quick it wasn't a forever home and didn't do anything personal with it. So this is our first "home" if not our first house. i getya! I know everyone seems to love white walls, but after years of bland rentals the first thing I wanted to do was paint colours all over the walls! Anything but white! Paint is cheap and a safe place to start testing your design flair. Go and paint a bunch of sample tins onto the walls and don't stress too much about the perfect look. start with what you like and find what suits that. A colour that makes you smile when you see it. I've paid about $10 a sample tin. like others said, don't do anything with the carpets yet, you can throw a rug over it if its too boring and it will look fine. There are so many things that I first thought I needed to completely change, then as I painted and freshened and tidied up I realised were not needed a huge reno. Our house was a bit of a wreck though, not a nice new apartment so things just literally needed cleaning and fixing. Put up some pictures, art, photos you like too. Honestly, I know everyone's being funny about getting a girlfriend and getting her to decorate, but actually I think it's great you've got your own taste and want to decorate. I think anyone you bring home would love seeing more of your personality around the place. Check out some garage sales and buyswap sell and auctions for rustic timber pieces for your home. Maybe a nice pipe and timber bookshelf in the lounge instead of an entertainment unit? https://www.northernriverstimber.com.au/