definitely use a designer - they have a much better idea of what plants will work and why, which will save you a heap of money (I have replanted 8 times due to having a poor understanding of what to put where) and when it comes to draining, paving, irrigation etc they have experience of not only how, but which products will produce what results.... Plus a good designed area looks "done" (think display home gardens/features) however self-designed always look "bitza". If you don't have the money to do the entire plan that they design, ask them to break it into stages that you can execute/upgrade over time that still looks good in its most basic form.

Can I suggest that as most of your proposed project comes under the umbrella of landscaping that you consult an experienced landscape designer in the first instance. Someone who is experienced with pools and outdoor rooms. Also someone who has a network of other professionals that they work with such as pool builders, architect or architectural designer and engineers that may be necessary for the permits and build once the overall conceptual design is realized. All of your wish list will need to flow together and be cohesive to function well and a good designer will be able to work with your design brief and guide you through this first stage which is critical if you intent to carry the work out in stages. All the very best with your project. Lynn

As Oklouise suggested, the myHome.gov.au website is a great place to start, to get informed. And listen to the Undercover Architect podcasts from the beginning of series 1. Her advice is invaluable. It will help you understand why orientation and other factors are key to the comfort of your home. She also has a series in which she interviews different professionals that might be worth a listen to help you choose which way to go. Her series on budgeting is also gold. Budget may, in part, dictate how you proceed. Volume homes are generally cheaper (but not always) but you will have less control over the process, quality, floor plans and design, and fixtures and fittings. That said, some volume builders will allow you to modify their designs. Others will build your design or help you come up with a design, although there can be pitfalls to that approach as builders are usually not designers. Custom building is usually, but not always, more expensive than a volume builder but you have much greater control over the whole process. You will generally need to engage a building designer, architect or draftsperson if you go this way, fees can add up, and build cost is usually higher. You’ll get closer to exactly what you want (unless your budget is limitless, then you really can have anything you want), probably at a higher level of quality, but you’ll pay more for it. Or there is the option of modular and prefabricated homes. Some of these are architect driven with strong design values and eco credentials and give you a quality build with lower costs than a bespoke design as they are able to contain costs. But do your homework if you go down this route as some are better than others. Prebuilt is one example. Archiblox is another. A few will do a hamptons style place but most tend to be more contemporary in their design approach. For our next build we are going with a small company run by an architect and builder that build houses with an eight star energy rating using a modular system that is highly flexible in its design and optimally suited to the orientation of the block. Cost wise it will sit half way between a volume builder and a true custom design. The compromise is that we need to build within their system, and have some limitations in fixtures and fittings but also some flexibility. It’s a compromise we are happy with because the architect and builder who are key to this project share a similar aesthetic to us, are motivated by sustainability, use quality products in their build and take pride in their work. Good luck with the planning. Take your time and do your homework. This is a great resource too.

From what you have said, I think smaller separate pieces such as couch and chair(s) rather than a large sectional is likely to work better in the space and still allow for traffic flow. However, if you still have lots to do then don't rush to make large purchases. In the meantime, if your current sectional looks better pulled away from the wall a bit, then perhaps you could rotate the side table so that the long side runs parallel with the sofa arm instead of the wall. Would that help to stop it blocking the doorway and resolve the 'not quite right' placement?