sorry, I forgot to add......invest in energy efficient window glass on those puppies? really? wow, it must be great to have money. and why is the roof being replaced? do you really want to be spending these huge amounts of cash on these things? this whole thing is starting to do my head in. lets start with the roof. why replacing? does it lack insulation? is it some 'orrid old clay or concrete tile heat absorbing monster or just a badly done tinny? here's something to consider...if you're have an issue with heat radiating through the roof/ceiling and want to add insulation did you know that batts in the cavity will give you a much higher r rating than anticon blanket. the roofers won't like it but do some research. depending on the depth of your rafters you might be able to achieve an r rating of say 3 (if the batts are installed nice and snug and proper) whereas anticon blanket is much less than 2 and suss at that due its unknown compression. ceiling lining above the rafters? consider building up the cavity. it depends how much you want to spend on what you are trying to achieve. me and the other nicer members of the community all agree that your house looks cool and there are heaps of ways you can make the streetscape look really classy. my final attempt at redemption will be to raise the point that you can improve the street facade simply and without spending too much cash because it's already a nice design finished badly. but hey, if you got pots of dosh, go hard.... heaps of glass, heaps of stone, heaps of hardwood and hire a pro, they know more than internet forum morons like me and they'll say things that you want to hear. peace y'all

Cloudyhaze....I think all of the options look good, but it just depends on the look you personally wish to have for your house, because painting the ceiling white will COMPLETELY change the look. My sister has just bought a place that had brick walls and exposed ceilings that had the beams painted mission brown and the ceiling was in some form of raw chipboard type material. She wanted to brighten the place up before she moved in and got it all painted white. It looks beautiful, but I personally would have thought of other options before painting the brick etc. She got a quote for plastering (sheeting) the sections in between the exposed ceiling beams and it was a lot more expensive than painting. If you are keen to paint just the panelling in the ceiling, then I would get additional quotes. I am no painter but I would suspect if it has shellac on it, it will just need an initial sealer on it, before putting on the 2 coats of flat ceiling paint. I think all of the options will look beautiful, because the high ceilings are the feature.........it just depends on whether you are going for a more rustic look, mid-century look , more modern look...I am not sure of what all the designs are called. Good Luck. Your house is gorgeous. My sister lives on Gold Coast BTW.

The free-standing wood-burning stove is an option for repurposing the existing fireplace. Just be sure to have chimney swept prior to any flue installation. An installer will likely request this. It is for fire safety and it makes their job easier. Other option would be to have gas plumbed to the location and a gas insert fireplace. It really is a matter of preference. Obviously, burning wood is a bit messier and does, over time, leave a smoke residue on walls which just means more maintenance involved. As you mentioned a preference for lighter timber flooring, you could take a look at the various oaks available.

the beams are the whole architectural focus in house of this style. I can understand people wanting to paint when the ceiling is low and flat as the dark timber can feel intrusive. once painted, the home's point of difference will be lost forever. maybe you should get a designer decorator out to your house, who has worked with style before - they will probably have some great suggestions for other ways to capture more light, through light furniture, reflective surfaces, window treatments, different lighting and mirrors. skylights do make a world of difference too🌞