The visual artist needs the window - so position easel? or other working items where the keyboards currently are . . . and start working from there. The blue sofa cushions - maybe hang them against the walls (they could function as pinboards?) - but I think you need something to deaden the sound - or your neighbours may hate you. Rugs on the floor and the thickest drapes you can afford (or improvise with blankets) for the window. Hmmm . . . maybe artist towards the right-handside (door-side) of the window - trestles in L shape along the long wall, and a bit of the window to make 2 desks - and musician's stuff occupying the wall adjacent to the door and into the centre of the room? Everyone gets a shelf each in the cupboard . . . and a dedicated space in the room?

Hi all, we have spent winter up north and now on the never ending task of updating our home. Flooring still not changed at this point waiting on tradesmen for ensuite and kitchen update. I have attached photos of the lounge and family/kitchen. Would like some help re colour/fabric for a window seat on the bay window. I did take away all curtains and blinds have been installed. Kitchen cupboards are a salmon colour and the cabinets can still be used with new doors and side panels replaced. I have always been a lover of white kitchens but not sure of colour for splaceback/tiles/bench. One minute I have made up my mind to have wood on all floors except lounge and bedrooms then someone says what is wrong with your tiles it's a waste of money and a lot of work! I am not sure that a white kitchen would go with the current tiles . Any advise would be more than welcome. Sandra (loving Houzz)

Hi Blake, What an exciting time of your life. I would agree that painting the fence charcoal will be a great start. I would create a few zones. You like the idea of a fire pit, so get one of those fabulous metal dishes that can be custom designed such as Yarrawonga Custom Plasma Cutting does. You could put this outside the alfresco area and pave the space around it. PO Box designs do some amazing lazer cut decorative screens and sculptures. You could break up the fence and add more height and privacy by placing a decorative screen on it which can even be backlit to give a lovely atmosphere at night. Just be aware that you shouldn't block the neighbour's light, especially that high window which they wouldn't be able to see you from but will be providing important light for their home. I suggest having an edible garden. You can plant oranges, lemons and limes which are all evergreen, grow to a good height, and have the bonus of divine smelling flowers and fruit that you can use, and under them plant herbs such as rosemary, sage, and thyme. A bay tree is very useful, but they can grow huge so keep it in a pot or prune hard to keep it to a workable shape. You can use the leaves fresh or dried so cut away and give the prunings to friends! In a shady spot that you are happy to have anything grow, you could plant mint. It will spread but I use it by the arm full in summer in my drinking water, in salads and in fact most summer dishes, and even as fresh mint tea. It will bring in the bees. If you don't want it to spread them plant it in a tub. I would also make some raised beds for some home grown vegies such as tomatoes and annual herbs like basil and parsley. Water is great to attract birds and bees so find a small birdbath and place it by a plant so that the birds can feel safe. I have a lovely one that is on a pedestal with little wrens around the edge but a wide shallow dish on a ground of pebbles looks lovely too. It is lovely to have fresh flowers inside so adding gardenias, daphne, lavender, native shrubs like grevilleas, banksias, correas, bulbs such as daffodils and jonnies, also iris and roses are all lovely. You can train climbers up the fence too such as jasmine, wisteria, and native hardenburgia. None of these plants are difficult to grow though the citrus will like some frost protection to start and I grew them all with great success in the bitter frosts, a number of floods and the scorching heat of the North East Victoria. As you can see, I like my garden to be a work horse not just a show pony. If I am investing my money and time then I want to be able to get perfume or produce from each plant.

Most of the external walls appear to be brick , so adding on is going to be more expensive , especially as you will have to ry and match the wooden floors to look good -- you might get away with tiles in the laundry, but to add a toilet or bathroom there is then only accessible off the kitchen or possibly Bed 4 ( even that may need doorways cut through brick ? ) . The 3 thoughts I've had would be to turn the fridge and that whole cabinet by 90 degrees -- that will hide entry into the bathroom a bit more , and open up the kitchen visually . Thought 2 is that the dining doesn't look overly utilised -- can that be a Work From Home area or similar too ? And thought 3 is the most off the wall -- have you considered using the larger shed as a bedroom , an office , etc ? It does look like un-lined tin , but it is there , so depending on what the floor is , etc , have you considered that ? And on that note , or maybe thought 4 , if that isn't practical , have you considered a relocatable and/or granny flat etc . Relocatable has the advantage that you can buy or hire , maybe cancel or sell in a couple of years , or 10 years ? Anything is possible , but if you work on that $100k guideline , is it worth it now ? When you sell ? To keep the peace /