Treasure it for the gem of a 1940s/50s home it is, complete with glorious wrought iron work. Suggestions have been made as to how to boost the height to meet current building codes. You will regret updating the exterior for what is likely to be a one that will date quickly and be higher maintenance . It is only a matter of time until such homes are as treasured as Victorian terraces or Californian bungalows. It is an icon of its time. Accept it for what t is. Why make your house look like a fashion victim of 2019, when it stands in almost the full glory of its original period? It will also save you a fortune too! But yes, minimise the concrete! and add a garden that refects the period the house was built. Roses if you like them, with maybe a magnolia or crepe myrtle feature tree but for lower maintenance try some architectural and ground covering succulents. You could also go with edibles like feature citrus and olives for a Mediterranean feel.

The following are all general, non-professional comments. I'm not sure how the occupant of Bed 2 will feel about their primary bathroom window facing the "front" of the house as other family members, guests and potentially even people driving past will be able to see into the bathroom. I would consider swapping the toilet and shower so that you can have a big window on the side or potentially even slotting that ensuite between Bed 2 and Bed 3 and having a big window on the side for Bed 2 and a "high" window along the front for Bed 2. It will depend upon how many people will be living in the house, but since the main bathroom appears intended to serve as both the powder room and the "ensuite" for Bed 3, I would consider separating the toilet into a dedicated powder room. That way, the occupant of Bed 3 has "privacy" from guests for their vanity and shower and if they're in the shower, guests can still use the toilet. I would widen the hallway by pushing the laundry and media room out a bit. I don't think it would cost too much extra to widen the hallway, but I think you would appreciate it as it is currently a little long and narrow and the "focal point" as you enter is simply the door to the main bedroom. I would consider furniture placement for Living 1. On the plans, it looks a little squished, especially if people were sitting and relaxing at the indoor dining table. It might be a good idea to pinch some space from the alfresco or to combine Living 1 and Living 2 to create a lovely, generously proportioned space. It strikes me as a little off that the fireplace will be "behind" the sofas in Living 1. I think most people like the fireplace to be the focal point, but the fireplace currently seems like a last minute addition. Do you want to be able to sit in front of the fire or are you happy for it to be at your back? I would ensure that the allocated space for the TV in Living 1 will fit your desired TV. TV sizes are getting bigger and bigger and if you're planning on having a big TV in Living 1 (in addition to the TV in the media room), then it would be good to ensure that it won't dominate the angled wall (and distract from the views). I don't understand the purpose of Living 2. With a separate media room and Living 1, it's unclear whether Living 2 is meant to serve as another living room or whether it is actually intended to function as a study. Do you have a collection which will be displayed in the nook opposite Living 2? If so, it seems that the "display" won't be easily visible to guests. If you have a particular collection which you want to proudly display, then you may wish to consider repositioning this nook. Everyone has a different point of view, but I would try to separate the toilet in the ensuite. I would have thought that the person using the dressing table in the main bedroom would appreciate some natural daylight, but there doesn't appear to be a window that will service that area. The same comment applies for the study nook opposite the kitchen. Good luck!

We love our bar and so do our neighbours with many Friday night fizzies. It opens up to our entertaining area, and doubles as a kids area during the day. For parties and impromptu gatherings we push the lounge back against the wall and open the folding doors and when its getting late the doors get closed and it is quite sound proof so the music can be cranked. It suits our busy lifestyle with most of our entertaining done at home and it is seperate but still part off the house.

Hi, I know this is a long time after your first notes but I can't help but comment. I love the idea of the shallow wall that goes to the ceiling with a ladder. We lived in a home where the refrigerator was outside on the porch due to lack of space. With very few cupboards, I did a couple shelving units built between studs like that. I measured the height of each shelf away from the one above it with my canned foods. Turned out great and it is amazing how much those 2 little shelves could hold. I also want to say that I don't know building codes in your country but I agree that you should get at least 3 other quotes. With a concrete wall you can put electrical in that area. You can just have them use metal, electrical conduit. It does show (toe kick works, too!) but it is very non-invasive and should be cheaper. I really love the kitchen that Edith Martins posted. It is such a little gem. I can just picture myself working in that lovely place. Go slowly with your renovations. Listen to all thoughts and suggestions. In the end, this is your money you are spending and your home, so be sure to do what makes you happy. Lastly, there is NO box that you have to work within. Look online, watch Tiny House shows, go to architectural websites for ideas. Do YOUR thing. And, please post pictures when you are done! Best.