I would have a chat with an architect, building designer or a design orientated draftsman. It's an ok'ish' design but needs a bit more work yet. I think furniture layout's will/could be awkward to pull off due to window positions, etc. Have the designer add furniture in such as lounge's, TV unit's kitchen layouts, etc., etc.. You can then visualise how you'll use the spaces. I would however, reduce main bedroom size unless you're regularly going to use it as a parent's retreat and also remove the balcony altogether. I don't of anyone that actually uses them. They're a bit 'trendy/fad' and are just a waste of money unless you're going to regularly use it. Same as butler's pantry's just a trend/fad like formal dining rooms..... Home office needs to be a proper separate room so it could be used as another bedroom down the track as well as an office. Overall I'd reduce the sizes in some areas but others look quite ok, such as kid's bedrooms. Don't have an issue with ensuite's as long as again you don't mind cleaning them and they get used (being older kid's then they would). Garage size is too small for two cars. Not enough room to open doors and get out without hitting the other car. It's probably a stupid idea started by 'box ticking' project home builders.... Without knowing the site or area it's hard to say if it will be dark or cold. An elevated allotment with little/no overshadowing can allow good natural light into south facing rooms! It may be great to have north facing living areas but the whole site, local micro climate, desirable view's and state (Queensland is different to Tasmania) can have a significant affect on the design and must be considered thoroughly. This where the design professional's really do their stuff!!

@mlk01, You are right about the message button, I have it on my profile but no one else seems to so that's odd! If you click on my profile for example, you will see on the top line right beside the profile picture: Your house, Ideasbook, Bookmarks, Activities, Messages. In fact I remember that when anyone typed a reply like I'm doing now, you used to be able to click a "private" button, which meant only the person you were typing to saw your comment. Perhaps Houzz can answer these anomalies?? I'm not on Facebook or Twitter, never got into it and have no reason to do so anytime soon ha-ha As for talking privately to someone, you could post your email address here as could oklouise and delete it whilst you are still able to edit, as I've done once in the past. Just not sure how long the edit feature lasts.

Hi AndrewJason, I love cavity sliders. they are there when you want them but not visible when you need the space open. Having said that they cost more, take a bit of wreckage to set up and in you WA case you will be wrecking brick walls to put them in which might be a stretch of mess too far. BUT you will need to weigh up if they are worth it in the end. I do not think the build will be too bulky in the kitchen/dining because it will be superbly practical on both sides and it maybe just a matter of what you are used to. Not sure about "Average Joe...…" we are all good at somethings, mine is plans, function, practicality, solar. Yours might be brain surgery, empathy for unwell folks, kinda or you make the best seafood lasagne in the world... we are all needed to make for a great world: and it really is that!!! Good luck with your splendid home: I think it is beautiful. And PS if you do make the best seafood anything I better have your address....!!!!!!! MK

Hi James, I've got two configurations for you: The first thing to say is YOU NEED an air lock between bathroom and kitchen. Doing anything to this weight supporting wall between kitchen and this room is ok with engineering and steel! Plan A would work if the loo is in that exact place and hopefully the two doors will stop the dining/loo conversations. I think I prefer Plan B. Yes it is a shower only but a 1200 x 900 and this plan has hinge doors which are cheaper, although for the kitchen/laundry you could use a CSD. They are out of the way when you want it open. I like that both plans have heaps of storage options: I would suggest a dirty linen basket under trough (which could double as another vanity) No way the kids can miss putting the dead sox in the right place! Under bench washing machine frees the bench for sorting, folding, cat bed! under the bench can be dog bed, gardening stuff, sports equipment, etc, Then over head cupboards maybe 400 deep and 2100 long from 1400 above floor to ceiling (don't know what that is) with a rail under it to finish drying or airing clothes. The cupboard in either plan can be for linen, Chrissy tree, Hide and seek children, pantry or all of the above! And of course the vanity can have drawers/doors below bench.In plan B you could put a mirrored shaving cabinet into the wall, or Plan A would need to be proud of the wall because of the cavity sliding door. I would love to see you use clear glass in both windows as the outlook onto the garden becomes the feature and of course the laundry can have a full length view. I commend these plans to you and wish you my best service always. If you have questions or would like elevations, please do not hesitate to call. And may I suggest you pop a review on my profile here on Houzz so I can help others with their plans too. Regards Margot