My advice is to think about the working/function as you need it for your family. Prioritise that (as a starting point) and get that happening somewhat free of a "box" shape extension and see how that all sits - it's like you're trying to squeeze it all in to a specific shape and then struggling with certain details....you're suggesting/entertaining ideas like a functional laundry/bag drop zone etc which 100% is important/relevant for a busy family of 4. The problem seems that there hasn't been true clarity on the function/requirements before the design has been proposed. Is it too small? Well it depends on how exactly you intend on using it - how many people need to be able to sit at the table or on the lounge etc..this will dictate scaling - whether or not you'd like a butlers pantry or not. Is the 3rd toilet needed? Well ultimately nobody can tell you that one way or the other - you will know whether functionally that is a requirement necessary for your family - all these are questions you will have (or need to establish) an opinion/position on one way or another and then (should) be able to work through (more effectively) & resolve with the architect whom you've engaged.....you are obviously staging the project which can be logical/necessary, and given this there may in fact be alternative and arguably more cost effective design options available for you (such as a 2nd stage "clean" extension for a master suite), but realistically that involves greater understanding/information of the site/context and your particular budget in order to provide specific advice/suggestions as to how best to achieve your goals...Good luck :) PD

I'll be the stirrer then -- nah , not really . It does look great , but at what cost ? The cottage had quite a high pitched roof -- this appears to be a shallow slope , and lots of windows -- so I see lots of $$$$ and a reasonable amount of engineering . Similarly , I am not a fan of too much white , no doubt not a sentiment shared by the client though -- I love the wooden floors , but I would have done a dark ( onyx or similar ) benchtop , and I would have tried to add a feature to the white wall of cupboards , and that sloping roofed part in the dining area -- maybe timber , maybe stone , maybe just a bold colour , such as bright red or orange chairs -- or maybe a combo of all those ?

Budget for at least $600/700K min if you are not doing anything yourself. There are numerous peripherals to factor in including landscaping & services, finishes, furnishings etc - all comes down to what you are wanting. Costs for design professionals will vary depending upon the extent of service - budget approx 10% ballpark to cover design, engineering, surveying, interiors etc. Construction management by the builder typically embedded within the building contract sum. Construction timeframe typically allow ballpark 12 months, but to design and document a project typically will take 12-18 months before being ready to building depending on whether planning permission is required or not. So think 2-3 years from start to finish approx. Good luck PD www.pauldistefanodesign.com

Bathroom 2 I like -- it all gels , the blue stripe and the copper fixtures are great features . The wood in Bath 1 doesn't go with the green tiles IMO -- a lighter oak would have been my call -- and although definitely out of favour , i would have done the toilet seat in the lighter wood too , and done a 'reverse' band of white tiles about 2/3rds of the way up the wall , both to reference the other bathroom , but mainly just to break and lighten the green . And what can I say about the kitchen -- nice , just like 47.23 million other showhomes and houses . Nil Wow , nil personality , nil colour , absolutely nothing that catches your attention or most importantly , your imagination .