Well I think my husband mainly wants to hide the chocolate stash away from me as where I would use it to store vases and everything else that you usually keep in the top of the pantry(you only get out once or twice a year). He does have a point but I am worried about boxing ourselves in - no room for growth. He is definitely not itching for his next project (we have been working weekend, after weekend on this house - decking, paving, etc) I worry about the lack of storage. Mainly because I really just like to finish a room and move on. Because I use this space every day its annoying me with how uncompleted it feels to me. I do think it needs something to finish it off and look complete. But I'm glad you like it though Madeline :) I have been researching with what people have suggested and the main trouble I foresee having is actually getting the right product delivered and available. Most don't ship to where I am (I live in a small coastal city) and its about 5hrs drive from the only Ikea in the state or I will have to wait 8 weeks for delivery from over east. So I really have to plan it right. I am reading the reviews on open shelving... well lets just say that is interesting. Thanks again!

We took out a very .70's archway (the whole wall) between our lounge and dining area and replaced it with bookshelves & doorway with shelves over the top. It got our books out of boxes & off the floor & has been the envy of many visitors over the years. When we did it, we 'screwed' everything so a future owner could remove some cornice & unscrew the bookcases & have open plan or even put an arch back. We love our books and it's our family who has to live with it - not others....so relaxing.

Lovely colours ect. But my question is why is we read article after article on kitchen designs with advice from designers stating never to put a dishwasher in a corner as it is not practical. Articles always state that it should never block access to another cupboard and if possible access from both sides. First thing I noticed in the picture was the dishwasher. As an owner I would not be happy with this design by a professional. But this is just my opinion

The brief from our lovely clients was to create a family home layered with farm-house warmth and style where the owners could relax and be inspired by the surrounding natural landscape. It was also really important that we designed an interior that tells a story of the rural traditions and rustic charm, delivered within a unique country setting. The existing urban, red brick, three-bedroom house’s saving grace was a beautiful garden overlooking a national park, but it lacked country charm and the interior design was not connected to the verdant, exterior landscape. By layering and revealing textures the house was transformed into a lifestyle abode. Organic structures, rich earthy colours and traditional Australian, English and French Provencal farmhouse elements were blended together with hand-crafted macramés, tapestries and Moroccan rugs. Bespoke pieces were added, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated family mountain retreat. The old garage under the house was converted into an exterior, resort-style bathroom with recycled, grey-faced sleepers, shiplap cladding and artesian hand-crafted, white-washed brick walls. Bespoke exposed copper plumbing and custom-made hardware, a French provincial galvanised dog bathtub, retro vanity and concealed toilet were incorporated into the design. Exposed ceiling beams and large barn doors added further character and showed off the integrity of the build. At the side of the house, a large hand-crafted farm gate and fence was created, and four tall, recycled sleeper posts provided the structure for a shade cloth for the new carport. A system of stainless-steel sailing cleats and organic hemp-rope pulleys was designed as a quick release for fire truck access, if required. In the kitchen, new benches and lime-washed floors created a softer palette. Strategically placed lighting was used to create drama and mood and to highlight art pieces and macramé wall-hangings in rustic oranges and earth browns. Three teardrop, smoke-coloured pendants were chosen to accent the refreshed dining room. The joinery wall in the living room was redesigned to house the essential farmhouse fireplace. Open shelves were created to display farmhouse objects and curios that evoke an old-world simple rural life. Furniture was sourced for its rustic appeal as well as its functionality. French provincial workbenches complete with the original carpenter’s clamps and turn handles were used to make bespoke sideboards. The undercover deck at the rear of the property was restyled with a hint of the exotic. A hand-crafted, vintage Indian daybed, Moroccan floor rugs and a rattan table setting were key pieces. Concept design, plans, joinery, finishes, furniture and homeware selection, lighting design, exterior bathroom, barn doors, custom-built farm gate, and puppy agility course. Before: In Progress: After: Check out the entire project here!