Hey Sally, This is from the ‘Thermal Mass in Summer’ section from our website, "With correct eave overhang on the North of your building & thermal mass being shielded from direct solar gain we can control the increase in the ambient air temperature of the building. During the day heat gains from external temperature, the occupants of the building, and any electrical lighting and equipment, is absorbed by the exposed thermal mass of the building and releases stored cool within the thermal mass, thus limiting the temperature rise within the space to be within acceptable levels for human thermal comfort. By the end of the day the thermal mass of the building has in turn warmed up, and now as external temperatures reduce the heat can be released and the thermal mass cooled down ready for the start of the next day. However this "regeneration" process is only effective if the building is ventilated at night when the external air temperature has dropped below the internal temperature, to carry away the heat that has been absorbed during the day. This can be achieved through naturally ventilating buildings (opening windows etc.) or the use of automated ventilation systems. This reduces or totally eliminates the need for artificial cooling systems to be installed, thus reducing the overall energy consumption of the building to attain a comfortable living environment." When temperatures do not drop at night for 3-4 nights, our houses are still far more comfortable than outside, warmer than it would be if night ventilation could be achieved, but still a comfortable temperature. In our house we just use ceiling fans during those in-between days! We find that even when it is warmer in our houses in prolonged hot periods than it would be with air-conditioning, the quality of the air and feel of being inside the house is much nicer than what it would be with the everyday use of an air-conditioner – not to mention benefit that not using air-conditioning has on the environment. Hope this answers your question :)

Thanks @philippawright. Our concrete will be full exposure of the aggregate, so lots of movement and interest. We would definitely use a rug in this room if we did not have carpet. No messy hobbies in here. The room will be used as a study for my husband and I and will double up as a small sitting room (library and TV) with two armchairs. We have four bedrooms in our house so don't anticipate using this room as a bedroom. But you never know. Our style is modern, not industrial, but a touch of luxe with hand blown glass feature pendants, and timber accents. It was always going to be carpet. But the levels have left me confused. If the concrete polishers can grind the concrete down so that is is recessed, and there will be minimal step up from hallway to carpet, then I'll probably stick with carpet. Do you think this is a good plan?

Hi there, Big piece of paper time! Write down the dims of the space and list the things you would like it to do: charge devises, put down for hand bag, store of mail, basket ball fixtures, invitations, bills, home management, display of collection of tortious shells....what ever!! Then list all the ideas that seem interesting, marry up the two lists and see what comes out of it! Personally I think a long blank wall is excellent for couch or other furniture to go on and to sit to look out to the garden (not with your back to outlook like so often is planned) Some put down bench, desk arrangement, some cupboards for devises charging and handbags, some shelving for a few book and current pictures etc. Some of each type of space that you need for those items and things on the list. Very important to keep it ladder friendly for manhole too. I love the look of your circle of chairs there and wonder if you want more seating in the room? I love the ideas above that have been posted: very lovely and some quite quirky! Good Luck, stay focused on what you want the area to do! Cheers Margot

Love your desk, E K. Is this going to be a ‘constantly in use’ home office? If so, practicality might direct your design choices. For instance, do you need task lighting? Or could a statement light fitting work? It’s proportionally suited to the room, so I’d keep any decor to one single piece or a group of three smaller pieces. For me, the style of desk seems suited to modern glass ornamentation. As for artwork, consider www.artbank.gov.au which allows you to lease beautiful Australian art or www.bluethumb.com.au which supports established and upcoming Australian artists and if budget is tight, go to your local auction houses. Unless space is very tight, consider leaving a space on your bookshelf for a colourful ceramic or sculptural piece, ensure there is some design or colour connection between your pieces, and I’d say your done