The 1.2cm solution would actually be dangerous as it becomes a trip hazard. You either have to go up a fair amount (min 5-6cm) or not at all. You could build a small platform that acts like a "bridge" between your entryway and the great room so you step up and step down... Could this work.As your entrance is already narrow, I would try to avoid building a high unit but rather a long shelf unit that allows for space along the wall. You will find anything dark and tall will narrow the hallway

I have done lots of pondering and lots of wandering. Wearing out shoe leather looking at tiles, hopping in baths, sitting on toilets. I think I have found my tiles. It's funny to think I started off wanting carrara (or a version/copy thereof), then went to black and white, and now these. The colour really does vary depending on the angle and light. These photos were taken with my ipad, so not true to colour. They are an ash tone and throw grey, off white or a bone colour depending on lighting and the angle. I think they say "classic and elegant like a little black dress, a string of pearls and diamond studs." I hope they don't actually say, "i've turned into my mother and I'm playing it safe." I figure I can go wild with towels. Question is should I lay them horizontally or vertically? The feature tile will go up the side of my wall on top of the bath and be directly opposite as you walk in the door. I wonder if i should use the floor tile or the festure tile on the side of the bath? I am thinking a black tap on the vanity (not necessarily this tap), but chrome elsewhere? The U.K. Has a version of the showerhead with a black rim, if I could be guaranteed it would fit and work the same here I would be tempted to buy it. Black or chrome accessories (towel rails, soap holder etc)? All suggestions, viewpoints etc welcome.

hi we have about six months ago now, re done our bath room , similar size to yours, and , i can take some photos and email them to you , we have maximised space, and walls , put in a white stone bath under the window , it is a metre in width , with a cool water spout coming off the centre under the window we pu t afalse ledge in to sit , candles etc on , , we tiles floor to ceiling, off white , wall mirror cabnit with three mirrors , inset into the wall so its only sits out a we bit from the wall tiles , floating bath room vanity , so that it makes the floor space look bigger , . matching stone square basin sits ontop of the vanity to one side so plenty of room to sit all your bath room stuff when need be , seperate shower all tiled as well , with inset , shelves for shampoo etc, also , when you open the bath room door and walk in when you close the bath room door behind it next to the shower is a very narrow floor to ceiling shelvec for towels, now the hole is there we jaust havent got the shelves put in yet. , we gt loads of comments as the bth room dosent look small evn though it is , , most expensive item the sqwat extra wide stone bath , made to order basin / tap ware and shower spray thing ,oh and the white stone vanity which we had made to order as well , due to the sizing .

If you are on a tight budget I would do the following: Change the handles on the cabinet. This is inexpensive and makes a massive difference. You can buy cheap handles from bunnings/ikea, I have even seen them at kmart Consider a pot plant between the cabinet and shower with a nice luscious plant like a peace lilly or something similar If you can stretch your budget maybe consider changing the tapware? This may cost a bit as you would need a plumber. I did read somewhere you can spray paint the taps but you need special paint, this would be a lot cheaper than getting new taps. Changing the cistern may be expensive but places like kmart and ikea have great wooden/bamboo covers that act as a shelf to go over the toilet semi disguising it which you can then use for more storage. If your budget stretches I would get a new mirror but if not its not a big deal. Also maybe a nice floor matt, could go bamboo/wood to match the toilet cover. You can also get bamboo ladders from kmart as an extra storage space.. just be careful the room doesnt get too cluttered :) http://www.kmart.com.au/product/decorative-bamboo-ladder/807386?gclid=CP-Q1Zbj99ECFYcKKgodBBsD0Q  http://www.kmart.com.au/product/bamboo-duck-board/807389 http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/00222355/