Hi, The first thing I would suggest, if there is any room in your budget, consider installing LED down-lights instead of halogen and also using these instead of the batten fixtures upstairs. There is a greater up front cost but the running costs are a great saving ongoing, giving the same wattage for a much better output and less of a light arch onto the floor. Ask for these to have a translucent diffuser as well and lastly consider if you require any of the lights to be dimmable as this requires a different unit (a bit more expensive again). Direction of switching is not noted on this plan - think about if you would like to turn the lights on and off from different areas - eg Hallway lights and Family Room lights. I would not put fluorescent lights into the house at all; only suitable for garage use. They are also not noted on this plan, but consider the position and number of power points as well - it is much easier and cheaper to get more now, rather than later after the build is complete. Is your Builder providing Pendant lights or are you? Do you know where to start looking? Good luck with the build and keep asking questions until you feel confident in your decisions. Michelle

Hi all, wow, Im so impressed with the feedback. I had a very busy weekend with weddings and birthday parties so can only just now respond. I can also offer a bit more info to help explain why some of the decisions that have been made, were made. If I miss any points its unintentional. We have an ROW at the rear, hence why the shed is orientated the way it is - to have easy access into the lane way. I am open to exploring a different layout of the back yard. The 'courtyard' is actually our drying area. Its the most logical place for it, again want to re-evaluate based on the feedback above. The alfresco is designed on the northern side to make most of northern sunlight. The kitchen/dining is on the north to give a longer view down the backyard to keep an eye on the kids. The bathroom is designed with a future en-suite in mind when funds allow. I agree that the powder room requires walking through the laundry, but we also did that for a bit more privacy, and that allowed a window outside. I do like the idea of the highlight windows above the alfresco, but almost below them is the TV which will cause to much glare. I'd be worried in summer to have such unprotected north facing windows and would find they would be covered most of the time with blinds kind of defeating the purpose. We love the 2 sets of stacking doors. They are our only non-negotiable. Ill keep think, im sure there are more points there I missed.

Lovely ideas posted above. IF there is an electrical outlet at side of sofa, what about a gorgeous standard lamp positioned just behind it and next to the blank wall-would be nice for reading.

Happy home - the gold light is from beacon, it's called the aksel pendant (they have a few different styles in this range). The grey one over the dining table is from West Elm - it is called the mobile chandelier, we have the smaller size, but it comes in a larger version too - http://www.westelm.com.au/mobile-chandelier-large-w1885?quantity=1&attribute_1=Antique%20Brass Both light fittings are still available. Thanks to everyone else for the suggestions, it's going to be a tough decision - and the bigger issue will be finding two rugs, as I will no doubt need one under the dining table and another in the lounge area. So finding two, that work together in a complimentary way... eeek!