Random would simply make no sense, and randomly placed or selected items would only stand out, jar your impression or just feel wrong. On the other hand, eclectic pieces need to have a sense of style, that is definite enough to take a shared stage amongst other interesting, unique or beautiful things, perhaps in complete opposition to each other. A strong sense of design is needed to build an underlying theme of a room to use eclectic, seemingly uncoordating pieces to go so well together. I doubt there would be a designer who would think eclectic is the same as random. Although, there are people who have a knack in just putting these spaces together without really being able to articulate why it works, in these cases, the client may question the direction, but results speak for themselves. If it works, it doesn't 'just work' as we say, it is generally very well planned and carefully considered to achieve a random thrown together eclectic room. It can be a celebration of quirky, great, clever or unique in style, colour or design. But the principles to build and coordinate are still necessary to make it work. I personally love bookcases and apocothary drawers, because they house many different objects that I admire for different reasons. They may not all go together, but because they are all houses in one element ( ie bookcase) and they seem to contain their personality on their own niche or shelf, making he overall collection 'eclectic'. However, they are just individual groupings of things that have merit. According to me- the 'collector'. Your eye will define what on what grounds something holds merit, and so real eclectic is determined by you, the client, and never really the designer!

Hey Nik Star, I've had a PowerPoint play with oklouise's edits. This is what I meant about garage entry to the pantry and a laundry in the garage. The red arrows are to stipulate to the builder that level access is required. I added extra garage depth to allow for the garage, that would definitely impact your facade elevation. If you remove the wall between the butler's pantry and mudroom you would have a SUPER PANTRY! But a true butler's pantry in that it was supposed to be where you would land with the veg from the garden so you would kick your shoes off inside the door, so I've noted a little bench seat there, then head in and wash it before heading over to the actual cooking area. Then if you get rid of the sliders and reduce the storage to shallow shelving on the middle wall you would have plenty of space to manoeuvre with mobility devices. For the washing labour machines - washer, dryer, dishy - try getting those mounted on plinths so the load on your poor back is reduced. I have dodgy joints so I am researching all the ergonomic ways to design work spaces to help me when I get to the awesome stage you guys are at with getting to build!

The simple whites are what I like, the lounge welcomes you to get comfortable and spend time and lose all the distractions, giving you a chance to refresh and refocus. The TV art on the wall is the highlight and draws your attention, and hides its personalities. Is it a TV at all?, Overall I chose number 9 for its simplicity and comforting feel with no clutter and with one piece to comfort the body and one piece to stimulate the mind.

There is no gift I’m secretly sick of getting. I am happy to receive anything coming my way. Although the year of the ironing board was a tense one between my husband and I, and one that was never to be repeated!