Hi Em,

I just had a quick look at your ground floor plan. I presume the entrance is from the west (W01).

My thoughts on your questions are:

1. Yes, it will likely look too skinny where your back sliding doors meet, though I can't see a measurement for this on the plan. I tend to think that a minimum of 300-400mm looks best, though it can be reduced if you square-set the doors.

2. In the alfresco, do you want to have seating in the furtherest part and a table up with the BBQ? To have sufficient room to walk around the table and past it to get to the seating, I feel that you need to allow 1m per side of table (for chairs) and then the width of the table (normally 1200mm). At little extra space, so the chairs aren't touching the BBQ when people are sitting, is also preferred. A good width off the BBQ would be 3500mm (so this may need you to widen the alfresco slightly (if you can).

3. I like the sunken lounge idea. It lets you change floor coverings for the lounge area, and as long as it's not too hazardous (to young kids), I would say go for it!

4. I also like the position of the gas fireplace. It will be a lovely focal point for both the lounge and dining room.

5. Re stairs, I think the benefit of getting northern sun into your gallery/heart of your home, would out-weigh the sight of stairs when entering. A way to reduce the stair's bulk is by having open rises. They would complement the double height ceiling and entrance void to keep your home feeling open.

I hope this helps Em. Good luck with your new home - it looks like it will be lovely!!

Regards, Cathy

(Bespoke Home Building, Sydney)