I don't think I could cope with an open plan bathroom, I like wet areas to be totally separate, the steam entering the bedroom would be of concern and I would not want to even think about a toilet. We did not even like the idea of having the ensuite opening directly off the bedroom, instead have the dressing room opening off it with the ensuite opening off that. Having the dressing room between the ensuite and bedroom totally minimises noise. I find it far more convenient to walk from the shower directly to the dressing room to dress without even going into the bedroom.

I would leave it as is with a few tweaks. Put in bifold doors, guessing you have flies and mossies so some pull out fly screens or any flyscreens. Build a little stud wall with gyproc to hide the edge of the dresser, done right it should just look like the existing wall. I’ve done it before, just a cheap weekend job. Paint everything, Whisper white, will be lovely against the background of trees. Then furnish outside with some comfy furniture that you love. 1. The reason I wouldn’t close it in is because your bedroom looks a pretty good size. 2. Cost wise, it would be heaps more. 3. You won’t be able to hose the windows or sweep the cobwebs without the balcony. 4. The sun might hit the windows without the balcony and now you have the luxury of no curtains. 5.if you extend you will need to worry about insulation and flooring etc. 6. I love your balcony, I think you might miss it. Maybe add a bird feeder as well as your comfy furniture, sit back and enjoy.

Try Gawler Custom Joinery. Our friends used them and rave about them. We also had some work quotes from them and they were really helpful and well-priced. We didn't use them in the end because we got a better deal with our builders joiner, but I would have otherwise. They work all through Adelaide (despite being up in Gawler!). Cheers, Selina

Hi Julie/Tim, there are various off the shelf choices, usually plain fabric, standard designs and sizes (around the 1800-1900mm width). As with as with just about anything, a larger budget opens up more options especially choosing custom designed and made, over off the shelf. A fully custom bed headboard opens up many options - vast choice of fabric, shape and sizes, designed for the space (eg taking account of proportions, working around fixtures etc), decorative trims and finishes and probably better quality construction and materials (including what is underneath the fabric). This is where as a professional I would take a client’s space & requirements to narrow these dazzling array of options down to a specification that meets the brief. All the best, Louise - Decoro Custom Interiors