I agree that terracing is the way to go. Try and look at some picture online of Italian gardens. They use a lot of terracing in places like cinque terre and the tuscan regions. It might help to get a pro for the privacy landscaping or try to find varieties of flowering trees with will grow tall instead of full. Stone or possibly even tinted concrete (if on a tight budget) are easy are and should last a while. You can use potted plants and even potted fruits and vegetables. The best thing about potted plants is you can move them around and get a different look when you want a quick change, also fewer weeds and if you need to do anything to them like re-pot you can place them on a table to do it which is easier on the lower back than a traditional garden.

Thank you hechan. No your cabinets would not go to the ceiling, but the wall of shallow cabinets would. This is because having high up storage is better than not having any at all, and they are still useful for the odd vase or Xmas serving ware etc, Also it is necessary for this walled look to look right. The other column cupboard would do the same, as I like that it looks like a column or structural element and not joinery. However, laminate sheets are typically 2400mm x 1200 so they can only go to this height before. Join is necessary, this is another reason I have placed an open shelf ut on top, ring in a timber toned material, means the Join is intentional, as hiding them often fails. As for the wall, the cabinetmaker would literally stack your carcasses on top of each other, therefore the join once again is only visible at the end, where I have also placed an open unit. No bulkhead is necessary, a 20mm shadow line is left under the ceiling level, in your case the shadow line would be the minimum distance that tour plaster strapping is. The cabinetmaker would worry about this detail, you would simply ask for floor to ceiling. Retaining any architectural features is always a plus for resale, as the homes facade will generally show definite characteristics of the homes era, and this is what potential buyers are drawn to. As a result, people interested in post war, deco or ore styled homes are always grateful for retained period details, however minimal, and infact, the ceilings are the single most appreciated element of a homes design. Ts is because is generally is what gives you the wow factor, demanding your attention instantly upon entering, and they also do not dictate or influence the interior as far as your furnishings goes. You could decorate sympathetically, or contradictory to them, and either will work. The ceiling, floors and windows are the single most desirable elements of period homes, you have the ceiling and the window, most likely beautiful hardwood floors also. These elements provide all the details you need, and a lovely back drop for a simple and sophisticated fit out. Contemporary by comparison is ever popular as mod cons and innovative materials are as equally requested as period charm. Thank you for your compliments. I pride myself on being a pragmatic designer, often good design comes from the need to work within limited parameters, such as yours. But that's easily resolved wi details at address things like maximum ceiling heights with an understanding of material restrictions, ie the panel sizes in your joinery, or understanding what the joiner needs to consider before designing for them. I have an architectural fit out background, and designed many types of firings from showrooms, magazine sets and many more private houses. I'm glad you like it.

A rug is a great option, you can play it safe or go bold and the best thing is that if at a later stage you want a change just whip it out and put another down, a pop of colour will brighten and modernize your look

4 poster beds were initially to kep out the cold in big rooms with high ceilings in big stone manor houses...usually surrouned by thick velvet or jacquard curtains with a canopy overhead and usually with intricately turned posts. The curtains were drawn back in the morning and fastened by amazingly designed 'holds' Not a fan of modern 'post' beds with plain 'frames and especially black painted skinny pine posts...however,,,if you really like the bed and the idea and, its not already a light colour, why not paint it a light colour and add, rather than the traditional heavy curtains, a light transparent curtain draped around the posts? Just a thought...I'd love a 4 poster in my natual VJ walled room with 10ft 6in high ceilings built in 1924 but it would need to be the feature of the room. When we lived in the tropics with lots of mozzies my Dad built me a 4 poster and Mum covered it with a mozzie net canopy and gathered curtains of mozzie net. The curtains were tucked in under the matress to keep the mozzies out...I was a tot and I loved it...but there can be many decorative versions of 4 poster curtains.....just a thought...might make you love the style again and find a way to make it fit your room.