I loved honed stone, then use some other shiny elements in the kitchen like the backsplash to lighten up

We installed this gas log fire in our B & B which has been very well received. We wanted to provide a warm and cosy environment for our winter guests. The wooden shelf above is beautiful wood, not sure what type and there are two cupboards either side, one for DVD's games and CD's and the other houses the technology. The flue is on the outside wall behind the fire place. It is very efficient and effective. It warms the whole apartment including a separate bedroom and kitchen. I would highly recommend this type of heater which is thermostatically controlled and so easy for our guests to use with a remote control.

Make sure existing structure is strong enough. Make sure the balcony surface is waterproofed properly. Most importantly check local council regulations. Privacy and overlooking neighbours is a major one.

all depends on the height under the deck and is the deck slatted timber or solid as the space underneath needs to be dry and out of drafts so you may need to add floor, walls and ceiling but easiest option, with enough headroom, would be to lay some modular decking on the ground towards the front of the space, install two separate self contained weatherproof kennels facing each other with a walking space between and steel mesh at the back of the kennels to prevent acccess to further under the deck with optional screwed on fencing panels and gates across the front and/or access to their enclosed run ... hopefully they'll soon learn to treat the space as their bedroom ....i would want a space tall enough for easy access to remove the kennels and bedding for cleaning but as they have a generous external yard and regular walks their space under the deck need not be bigger than the kennel and a small walkway between with access to permanent water they should be safe and happy in their basement accommodation for quite extended periods ...all components suggested are readily available at the major hardware