Hi 18. The apartments were completed just 5 years ago and good quality carpet is like new. It's weird to have just a sliver of kitchen tile to define the space as it's very restrictive. The dining area should be next to kitchen, so that's another challenge, as is the bathroom that's not really private. I've lived in the building since it was new and love all the facilities, and this is one of the better floorplans. I love the sofas and wonder whether just one would work better. It's 5 weeks till I move and now have offers of help. Whew!

From your photo the beam looks like it is supported by the wall. If you remove the wall then you will need to replace the beam with another beam which is longer and deeper, or replace the wall with a column to support the beam. I always suggest to new home owners that they live in their new home for at least 12 months before undertaking expensive alterations. You need to understand how your home works (or doesn't work) through the seasons. Moving furniture around is much cheaper than demolishing load bearing walls in the short term. You should also research the pros and cons of single open plan living for your household type. There are plenty of families with teenagers who hate their open plan living. Don't rush and best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

HI, any chance you could put more photos ?

thank you all for your suggestions... meme - the front room currently doesn't get used for a few reasons a) it's only me in the house b)family room gets more sun and natural light c) family room looks out to the garden/courtyard which is a nicer view than the lounge which looks down the drive way (i'm back section of a duplex). I have contemplated the idea of moving dining room to family and using lounge as tv room but as it's just currently me it's nice to have the sun flowing in the family room whilst sitting on the couch and reading a book/watching tv (both rooms are deceptively small - i think wide angle camera used in the promo photos) oklouise - again I think the photo makes the rooms appear larger than they are - I have attached some more photos of the family room for you. I have considered moving the door way to the hall as it is in an awkward position for furniture layout (although I'm not sure the room would accommodate the furniture as you have placed it). Another thing that I should mention is that I'm planning to add a door way to the garage from the kitchen, as I currently walk to the sliding doors to gain entrance to the house. The door will be in the position you have the fridge or even next to it in the far corner - which would still work in your plan. Dr Retro House Calls - I think for me I do like the open plan living (no children yet.) I'm not sure the house would be big enough for a family with teenagers (the 3rd room is very small.) In terms of keeping kitchen tidy - no i'm a very messy cook but it's quickly cleaned up by putting most things in the dishwasher/sink (also I would hope my friends and family wouldn't judge me on the state of my kitchen - and if they did I wouldn't be bothered by it :)) I guess if it was for me then I would go ahead and open plan everything to let as much light in as possible, but also I do need to be aware of resale at some stage (but people are either going to like it or not no matter what you do) Kate - I hadn't thought of that idea - I guess making it smaller would turn it into a min theatre room or reading room? Siriuskey - Interesting suggestion - I'm not sure how the placement of furniture would work in the family room, but I think I need to get past my fear of placing furniture in the middle of a room.