Hi Kylie, If you're happy with the rest of your interiors spend some time figuring out what exactly you want to achieve. To my way of thinking - you only need an architect if you're extending your home or radically changing walls/adding a storey. Designers are great, if you're without confidence - particularly in the kitchen - I'd also suggest that you go with an independent designer as their interests will be in what you want not what they kitchen/bathroom company they're working for wants to sell. Figure out - are you changing the layout? moving plumbing? What's your budget? When you've done that, then do your research into picking your appliances, tiles, etc then pick a builder (Please please please spend your time doing this and researching their contractors licenses - the rule in our homes is no license check, they don't cross the threshold). A good builder when you get him into quote will also give you some ideas of what will work.

Embrace the character of the house - trying to modernise homes generally ends with a house that looks like someone tried to modernise it. Homes don't need to be modernised to have character. Definitely agree with Cultivate, this is a great area to develop with a Mediterranean influence, arches look amazing. Bifold doors would make a huge difference, do away with the fussy curtains, add some comfortable wicker furniture with colourful cushions and pot plants. Remove the small solid wall and just leave the pillars to define the area. If possible remove the pillars opposite where I assume your front door is and close off the existing opening so the area is a definite room and not a passageway to make it more useful. Add a path diagonally across from the driveway to the new entrance, remove the pots from in front of the house and create a lush garden in the triangle that will be formed. Perhaps put the pots down the side of the house where a bit of greenery cool and soften the area. Buy a pressure washer - they are not expensive - and give your driveway a good clean, this will make a huge difference and buying one means you will be able to do it often to keep it looking good.

Lovely pantry. Always wine.

first 1. ask local council about regulations for any Granny Flat in the backyard as well as converting the existing garage (sometimes it can be more cost effective to construct a new building 2. post a plan of the existing house and garage showing position of toilets, laundry and kitchen sink and 3. a plan of the block showing the house and garage and distance from buildings to fences and 4. please explain the purpose of the new space.... 6m x 3.6m is not much room for more than a bedsit type accommodation unless it's only meant as a private space for someone who will also share the main home something like this might work but needs to satisfy class 1a building regulation ...including, insulation, wall lining, windows, ventilation. plumbing and waterproofing etc