Didn't know anyone still did the free making on curtains anymore, but Spotlight do have a lot of sales on ready mades - it is just getting the size. Most of Spotlight's ready mades are thermal backed too, which could be practical for you, they do make a difference keeping the cold out, but I like to have a sheer behind as they do block out light. I liked the idea of a nice rich cream brocade and there is usually quite a bit of choice in that sort of thing. Loved your outlook too, looks lovely and peaceful. I do like colour through my home but not that much and I weave 3 or 4 colours through the house to tie it all together. Maybe Bunnings had a sale of wrongly mixed colours :)) I think you have done a great job downstairs, you have created a simple backdrop to let your furniture and furnishings shine and set the mood. No, I was talking ceramic tiles for the bathroom, I just had my bathrooms done and had the option of laying tiles over the existing tiles to save costs. I would only do it as a temporary solution, if you think you might redo the bathroom totally down the track, but I know others who have done it to save costs and the step hasn't been a bother, I guess it would depend on the tile you chose. I ended up with a bit of a step anyway because the tiles I chose were quite thick. Just trying to think of options for you. There are also outdoor carpets that might work, they used to be quite patterned, but if you like Persian, you might find something along those lines. Trying to think now where I have seen them. I'm wondering if Bunnings might have something.

Hi It is best to use who you are most comfortable with. Meet with them both and find out what they offer, ask questions such as - Are you licensed and registered. Can I have a look at your gallery of designs. Ask to speak to other clients they have designed for. Do they include the engineering costs, soil test, energy design, are they able to design to meet your budget, will there be any other consultants that I will need after the designs are complete. Best to be honest with them on your budget from the beginning as this will help them be honest back with what you can and cant afford as part of the design. Make a wish list to take to the meetings including pictures of stuff you do and also dont like. Prepare to compromise and listen to the advise given from the professionals. Hope this helps. Cheers

I like the 525 Coastal Gum in your last pic. It's light but has that ever so slight red in it that goes with the terracotta tiles, although it could just be the pic and lighting etc. But I do prefer it. Or I was going for the 550 before that. You definitely need to stick with the lighter/or oak look finish I think. Dark is way overrated and a bugger to keep clean. It shows up so much in the sunlight and yet I don't even have all that dark floors. Mine is more like a merbau look laminate and it shows up so much dust and dirt (I'm on acreage with a gravel driveway though!) But my parent's have a spotted gum engineered timber flooring with a shiny finish and it is sooooooo much nicer. So definitely stick with the lighter oak finish :)

It doesn't sound appealling , but I'd suggest it needs pictures , to get an idea but also construction materials and even whether theres a view of the pool or countryside or hot neighbour haha ! When you say a studio above , do you mean a studio apartment or an art studio or ? If there is a view , maybe larger windows ( why I asked about what its built from -- brick or concrete would be difficult , wood or similar MAY be easier ) with desk space so it's an office or kids homework area or similar , Eames chairs or similar , still use as a hallway and maybe even laundry too . If you have an art or pottery studio , maybe this can be a 'gallery' ?