Before replacing your curtains as this can be quite expensive for such a large window, if they are in good condition, add a band of extra fabric to the bottom in what ever suits you, your existing curtain track can then be moved up to the ceiling for good looking full length curtains without the large round eyelets, could save you a lot of money, I would look at replacing/removing the sheers cheers

Jewel, you are looking for a design/build company where you make use of their in-house design team, and the whole job is project managed by the design/build company. Just be aware that many design/build companies charge a premium price for this convenience. Also be aware that you are not engaging the design component of the project seperately, so that if you love their design, but not their price, you are restricted from shopping their design around to other builders for a better price. You will need to read the fine print of any contracts carefully in respect to potential copyright infringement and their ownership of their design that is part of the design/build process. By seperating the design/documentation part from the build part, while less convenient, does allow you to go to as many builders as you want to obtain competitive quotes. If you decide to go with this traditional process, rather than a design/build company, be aware that not all building designers have the skill set for interior design when it comes to interior selections, and soft furnishings etc. Best of luck with your renovations, Dr Retro

Hi we are a Samsung and Daikin Dealer in Sydney. The screen looks great by the way. The reason you need space in front of your air conditioner is that when the air can't get away in front of your condenser (outdoor unit) it will come back onto the coil and the system will go out in high head pressure. It will not damage your system as this prevents that, its a safety mechanism. It will just mean on the hot days your system will just shut down. I would just test it out on a hot day to see if does shut down. It is hit and miss with the amount free space in front of your system. If it does shut down, you can get louvres for the outdoor fan to push the air up or just open up the screens in front of the fan.

Hey annb, Siri and bigreader - thank you so much all of you, for taking the time to explain your personal stories to me... I loved reading your replies. Have given me much to think about :) I love the idea of a couple of shelves with photos... one or two select albums around our coffee table and a family wall collection I think - a real talking feature. Any other spaces will have some nice artwork I think? Storytelling through photos and beautiful artwork on our walls - I hope - we can find a nice balance. Now.... the task of working out which specific photos to put where lol! I don't want it to look cluttered.... so it may take some playing with configurations on the floor - to work out which layout will look the best :)