re the floor, what about garage matting tiles, as in photo attached, but lay them in a groovier pattern, perhaps a chevron or 60's pattern, if leaning towards MCM. It may not be any dearer than the cost after getting a tiler in, if laying tiles? Also, you can take them out to clean them if need to and change the look whenever you feel the need!

Have you considered taking away the cavity door beside the stairs and open a section of the wall opposite the stairs to create a 2 way open ended shelving with some down light for displaying purposes? A series of full height vertical blade screening beside the shelving can then help add visual depth in the living room and still define the living room. It will also help frame the tv cabinetry with the existing nib wall on the other side. You will have minimal issues with reducing structural integrity of a potential load bearing wall. The existing fireplace is too nice to remove or make alterations to as it nicely divides dining with the living room.

The deck off the living room seems a good idea, particularly if it joins the two verandahs that are currently shown on each side of this room, and it would give the current carport a cover as well!! Win win. If you are going to gain ‘glimpses of the lake’ from either newly built deck, does this mean that you might be overlooking other houses or gardens? If so, this would require added council ‘hoops’ to jump through!!! The main bedroom could easily accommodate a hallway and if you extended the ensuite wall towards the built in wardrobe, probably with just a nib wall, this would allow your bed and bedsides to be placed in that position. Doing this would mean you would not have to lose any view of the outdoors from your bed and allow the external bedroom wall to become french doors or similar out to your ‘morning sunshine’ deck. Otherwise your bed would end up on this wall which at least partially defeats the purpose of opening things up to the morning sunlight. I read that you are not keen to undertake any major renovations at this point, but I hope you are aware of the $$$$ involved in having a deck built these days. Good luck.

Introduction: Keeping a clean and organized home can feel like a never-ending task. However, with an efficient house cleaning routine, you can maintain a spotless living space without feeling overwhelmed. By breaking down your cleaning tasks into manageable steps and establishing a consistent schedule, you'll be able to create a cleaning routine that works for you. In this blog post, we will explore some practical tips and strategies to help you establish an efficient house cleaning routine that keeps your home looking its best. Assess Your Cleaning Needs: Before diving into a cleaning routine, take a moment to assess your cleaning needs. Walk through your home and identify areas that require regular attention, such as bathrooms, kitchen, living areas, and bedrooms. Consider the specific tasks needed for each space, such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and decluttering. By understanding your cleaning requirements, you can tailor your routine to focus on the areas that need the most attention. Establish a Cleaning Schedule: Creating a cleaning schedule helps you stay organized and ensures that no tasks are overlooked. Decide on a frequency for each cleaning task based on your home's needs and your available time. Some tasks, like sweeping or vacuuming, may need to be done daily or a few times a week, while others, such as deep cleaning the fridge or washing windows, can be scheduled less frequently. Write down your cleaning schedule or use a cleaning app or calendar to keep track of your tasks. Break It Down: Tackling your entire cleaning checklist in one day can be overwhelming. Instead, break down your cleaning tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Assign specific tasks to each day or dedicate a few hours each week to different areas of your home. For example, you can designate Mondays for dusting and vacuuming, Tuesdays for bathroom cleaning, Wednesdays for kitchen maintenance, and so on. By spreading out your tasks, you'll be able to maintain a cleaner home without feeling overwhelmed. Start with decluttering: Before diving into the actual cleaning, take a few minutes to declutter each room. Clutter not only makes cleaning more difficult but also creates visual chaos in your living space. Clear out any unnecessary items, organize surfaces, and put away things that are out of place. By starting with a decluttered space, you'll be able to clean more efficiently and enjoy a tidier environment. Gather your cleaning supplies: To maximize efficiency, gather all your cleaning supplies and tools in one place. Create a cleaning caddy or tote bag that includes essentials like microfiber cloths, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfecting wipes, scrub brushes, and gloves. Having everything at your fingertips will save time and prevent the need to search for supplies while cleaning. Work from Top to Bottom: When cleaning each room, start from the top and work your way down. Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and high shelves before moving on to surfaces and furniture. This way, any dust or debris that falls will be addressed when you clean the lower areas. Finish by vacuuming or sweeping the floors, ensuring that you capture any dirt or particles that may have settled during the cleaning process. Delegate and share responsibilities: If you live with family members or housemates, consider delegating cleaning tasks and sharing responsibilities. Dividing the workload not only lightens the burden but also promotes a sense of shared responsibility for maintaining a clean home. Create a chore chart or schedule to distribute tasks evenly, taking into account each person's preferences and abilities. Establish Daily Habits: In addition to your weekly cleaning routine, establish daily habits that contribute to a tidy home. Encourage family members to make their beds each morning, wipe down kitchen surfaces after use, and put away items immediately after they are used. These small habits can go a long way in preventing clutter and maintaining a clean living space. Get the Whole Family Involved: Teaching children the importance of cleanliness and involving them in age-appropriate cleaning tasks not only lightens your workload but also instills valuable life skills. Assign simple tasks like putting away toys, making their beds, or wiping down surfaces. Make cleaning a fun and interactive activity by playing music or turning it into a game. By getting the whole family involved, you'll create a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility. Regular maintenance and deep cleaning: While a professional cleaning routine keeps your home in good shape, it's essential to set aside time for deep cleaning and maintenance tasks. Schedule quarterly or bi-annual deep cleaning sessions where you tackle areas that require more attention, such as windows, blinds, baseboards, and appliances. Regular cleaning maintenance will help prevent the buildup of dirt and grime, keeping your home cleaner in the long run. Conclusion: An efficient house cleaning routine is all about finding a balance that works for you and your home. By assessing your cleaning needs, establishing a schedule, breaking down tasks, and involving the whole family, you can create a routine that maintains a spotless and organized living space. Remember, consistency is key, so stick to your routine and make adjustments as needed. With dedication and a well-structured cleaning routine, you'll enjoy the benefits of a clean and welcoming home every day.