We have a similar issue with a rectangular room and windows at both ends. Our feature wall is much longer than yours so we have decided that the fireplace will be central and the focal point of the room. We will build in a simple unit to the right of the fireplace (the southern end of the room) and that will house the TV and media materials with minimal open display shelves for a few special things. At the other end to the left of the fireplace, where the floor-to-ceiling north-facing window is, we will have enough room for our great grandfather's handmade beautiful Edwardian bookcase and two comfy reading chairs strategically places at the sunny window. Re couches, we will probably buy a two and three seater, placing the longer one opposite the fireplace and the shorter one in an L position at the TV end. There are only two of us so watching the TV will be from the longer lounge and when we have need of both couches, it will be for visitors and the TV won't be used. We will put down a floor rug that allows a border of our wooden floors to be visible at the front of the couches and smaller coffee tables at the end of each couch. I want a nice clear space between the couch and the fireplace to make the room look less cluttered. This is all in the planning budget for the new year and I'm busy looking now at color schemes and furniture that's suitable for the room size. Good luck with your project. Annie

Hi Lachie - I assume you have a built-in wardrobe on the wall where the door is? (where the photos were taken from?). I'd suggest combining some of the elements of the suggestions above, but orientate the bed so that it's facing the door when you walk in, then put your desk under the other window. You can then put the bookshelf on the other side of the desk, which might leave you enough room for a beanbag/comfy chair in the corner for reading? Otherwise, you can put the bookshelf under the floating shelf (not ideal I know). I'd leave the bookshelf upright so that it's taking up less floor space, and get yourself a beside table (preferably one with a drawer and a shelf below for extra storage). A rug would be great for pulling the space together, but you might run into some issues with your desk chair getting caught on it, so you'll need to think about that. But if you do get a rug, I'd try to match it to one of the blues in your bedspread. Maybe also think about getting a new lamp - something in pink to pick that up from the bedspread (and maybe wood instead of metal to bring some texture into the space). As jmm1837 says, some more art on the walls would be good and will help pull the colours together. I see you have a plant there already, what sort is it? Maybe put it in a small wooden or mint green pot and if you get a wide bedside table you could put it on there (which would put it in optimal light under the window). If you want something bigger which is pretty indestructible, you could try a dracaena, next to your desk would make a nice feature. You might want to think about painting the floating shelf too in white? Few other ideas: cushions for your bed; a throw rug; a vignette of glass/vessels for the floating shelf; if you have space (hard to tell) a chest at the end of your bed (as long as that doesn't mean you walk into it coming through the door) for additional storage/seating; and think about a few plants, not just one if you can. In general I'd try to bring some wood elements into the room to make it a bit more homey. Have attached a couple of quick layout possibilities for fun :). Would love to see what you end up doing!

As I was using the same tiles, vanities etc and tradesmen at the same for both the bathrooms downstairs, it helped reduce the cost. I would say roughly $15,000 per bathroom and that also included getting the expensive Italian feature tiles and the scones/ wall lights weren't cheap either. If you design cleverly, you can purchase most items at a good price, then shell out a bit for the wow factor pieces!

Hi AndrewJason, I love cavity sliders. they are there when you want them but not visible when you need the space open. Having said that they cost more, take a bit of wreckage to set up and in you WA case you will be wrecking brick walls to put them in which might be a stretch of mess too far. BUT you will need to weigh up if they are worth it in the end. I do not think the build will be too bulky in the kitchen/dining because it will be superbly practical on both sides and it maybe just a matter of what you are used to. Not sure about "Average Joe...…" we are all good at somethings, mine is plans, function, practicality, solar. Yours might be brain surgery, empathy for unwell folks, kinda or you make the best seafood lasagne in the world... we are all needed to make for a great world: and it really is that!!! Good luck with your splendid home: I think it is beautiful. And PS if you do make the best seafood anything I better have your address....!!!!!!! MK