Even though that is a fairly small space you could put some decorative trellises just in front of the fence with some ever flowering vines on them. Install a paver patio between them and the windows you hope to transform into doors.. You could also have the wisteria trained onto a pergola that would create a little shade for the patio as well. Some beautiful potted specimens/flowers and a couple of attractive outdoor chairs and you would have created a beautiful "picture" to act as a focus to the room. Additionally you have extra space for entertaining. Obviously the reason the previous owner obscured the window was because there wasn't much to look at. By creating a "view," you change the dynamic of the room as well as getting the light you want. Actual light will brighten the room like no change of floor would.

Good luck with the process. Just a couple of thoughts, the slightly smaller l.h.s. bedroom, moving the cupboards to the end on the bed ( if you can lengthen the house) will muffle the tv noise, as well as leaving a wall for the extra window for cross ventilation. For the r.h.s. Bedroom (main?) the wardrobe could be against the wall behind the bed, with the bed moved forward and the wardrobe and standing room hidden behind a full height wall accessible from either side. Again the room will need to be lengthened. I would like to consider the rest of the house but without comments about style of house (country, contemporary) it makes it a bit difficult. Would like to see the bathroom tweeted to allow access from b1, more like a two way bathroom. Would like you to think about a bigger south side patio to allow viewing or opening from the lounge, depending on the view, or the laundry room move to the other end on the small patio and incorporate a toilet room with it's own hand basin or powder room, to take the pressure off the main bathroom. Again without drawings of the outside of the house the balance is a bit more difficult to see. One you have a reasonable idea of what you like, need, and want, a professional designer will adjust the room sizes for balance and proportion, and make and draw suggestions to make it easier to visualise. Again, best of luck, and don't look for perfection, just perfect for you. I've been involved with building two homes and am renovation my existing one, and am still learning, and allowing the site to influence the layout.

Agree with everyone who said that art should speak to them and not be purchased simply to match existing décor. I am a bit of an art hoarder. I have so many pieces of art that I buy simply because I love them or they really do speak to me! I do not have enough walls to hang all my art, so I simply recycle them. I move them around or replace one with another over and over again. When I purchase art for clients I do so in various ways. Art auctions, galleries, online, commissions etc. it really depends on what the client's budget is, how far I can push the client's boundaries but still stay within the parameters of what they like, and most importantly, how the art makes the client feel! I never buy art for a client and just install it without their imput because what speaks to me may not speak to them! I really like your pieces TJG creative! I happen to love photography however, most clients ( at least the majority of the ones I have worked for) seem to be glued to the idea of paintings. every now and then I manage to convince a client to include black and white photography in their home and I do this by bringing my own pieces in, showing them how wonderful they can be in their space and they are usually keen then to purchase some of their own. I try to steer away from art prints if possible because in my opinion, something original can always be found to suit anyone's taste and budget. By buying original artworks, we are supporting our local art communities and encouraging new and emerging artists to continue pursuing their dreams. Good luck with your venture and I will certainly keep your works in mind if the opportunity arises.

Hi gemma_truman, you may use either or both, but it will depend on the interior designer's qualifications and experience, whether they will be able to undertake the whole project. An architect would be my recommendation (i am an architect - trying not to be too biassed!), as they are the only professionals who have extensive training in all aspects of building design, including advice on efficient structural systems, co-ordination of electrical and hydraulic services, as well as the design of all the visible elements, finishes and aesthetic considerations. They will look at your house as a whole, including the outdoor landscape, and consider how spaces relate to one another, the best orientation and energy efficiency considerations, use over time, durability and maintenance of materials, amongst many other things. It sounds like you are planning major structural work, which will require building approval drawings to be submitted to a certifier, which an interior designer may not be qualified to provide. Good luck with your project! Wendy