If this was my place, I'd definitely install a skylight (even just a DIY solatube which someone suggested), then depending on budget I'd make these changes:- - replace floors with light colour timber floorboards since they never date - replace furniture with light colour furniture in both lounge and kitchen - paint kitchen and hutch white - add some plants in white pots - go for large light coloured wall art - replace curtains with roller blinds to maximise light I love the bluestone - it will look amazing when you've added some lighter colours to the room!

Never a truer word spoken. It is not only more efficient to understand in the early stages what part each person will play, but vital to the ongoing relationship. Sometimes clients aren't sure, you need to guide them along this process, asking questions and providing summaries of the briefing meeting (and subsequent meetings) goes a long way to ensuring communication lines stay open. Arranging regular meetings and collaborating via social media add to this and keep the client in the loop (unless of course they want to be out of it). Offering 3 types of services seems to work for me. Heavily involved - somewhat involved and somewhat preferring not to be involved. Always however, a detailed brief and ongoing planning and confirmation is required to ensure budgets and desires are being addressed suitably.

Thank you MB, Initially when the building surveyor requested the above I went back to him and broke it down as follow: Height Ceiling height will be greater than 2.1m. The finished floor level (FFL) is the existing slab. Exterior earth levels will be excavated to ensure they fall below FFL, however, decking will need to be flush level with interior FFL. Fire Rating Existing garage is single brick consisting of standard brick size with a minimum 110mm thickness and less than 30% coring. Moisture/Waterproofing Brick will be sealed using a waterproof membrane or waterproof paint to reduce the likelihood of rising damp. The addition of a stud wall will house the electrics and insulation then finished with plasterboard and paint. If there is no evidence of the slab containing a waterproof membrane beneath. Then will waterproof the slab using one of the many commercial products available for this purpose. This can be rolled or brushed on and will prevent moisture entering the room from the ground up. Termite I’ve been advised by Termite solutions Melbourne (ABN 41617175416) that treating the perimeter of the existing slab is sufficient to meet Part A of the requirements. Since then, he came back to me last night and responded with the following: Please provide specific detail as to how the existing garage is going to be converted to a habitable room. It seems most, if not all, compliance will be achieved by way of "Performance Solutions" as opposed to compliance with the deemed-to-satisfy provisions of the Building Code of Australia. A report from an appropriately qualified and registered consultant must be obtained for each Performance Solution. Things to consider include: - Moisture proofing and damp proof course of the floor/slab? Think of a new build, it would have moisture barrier under the slab, rebate in the slab for the brick to sit in, then a damp proof course in the brickwork, cavity, sisalation, flashing, weep holes etc. - Provide compliant heights from the FFL to outside (150mm to soil, 50mm to concrete). - Confirm fire rating details of the existing brickwork (min. 110mm thick and max. 30% coring of bricks). - How is termite protection being achieved? Need to consider new penetrations in the slab as well as the perimeter of the slab. Thank you,

I would keep the paint as it is , at least initially , but like you and Larkspur Lane Design say , concentrate on the accessories and bring in some colour that way . Just one thing -- Linkspur mentioned cushions -- you didn't . I assume the couch is staying , its practical but it needs lifting , so pick your ( or the consensus ) favourite colour , and have fun with cushions -- say 4 or 5 bright yellow ones , and 4 or 5 yellow and white chevron ones ; or purple or green or red or burgundy or . . . . . . . heaps of them , some in solid , some in stripes or 2 tone or polka dot or chevron . The larger wall ( lounge and dining areas ) I'd wallpaper in something in the similar tones as your cushions , toned down a bit ( or contrasting ) . Basically , a feature wall , with a large $200 clock and maybe a couple of small black and white prints . Some art ( I like abstract ) -- a large one on one of the other lounge walls . Maybe a rug too -- subtle or bright , just not clashing . Then you could really double down . 'This end' of the servery I'd do in your chosen yellow or burgundy or whatever , and re-tile the kitchen in similar toned tiles -- the white 'splashback' ones do absolutely nothing style or colourwise IMO . Right now , the plants are the brightest points -- I love plants , but when they are the most noticable thing , that's a worry . Work with the white , beige and grey ( and the plants ) , but use colour to lift everything .