I enjoy the challenge of using space efficiently and owning what I need, not what I want. I've been clearing the excess items from my kitchen for a few years now and enjoying a more spacious feel without actually increasing the size. For the laundry I like the washer and dryer (Australian size) built-in under a long bench top so it looks neat and uncluttered. The bench provides plenty of area to fold washing and do other jobs. I love a large, deep tub for cleaning oven racks in and other big or awkward tasks. Plus a wall of storage cupboards and drawers. So a practical, well designed kitchen is a must but so is a laundry. For me they don't have to be big, just well thought out. I can't choose.

Thank you for these colours Lesley! I MUST put a verandah though - the front garden is heavenly - 9 metres to the front with roses and fruit trees (though it looks rough here) and is high up opposite a park for a view. I plan to play guitar here of an evening and add more white, blue & purple flowers to the middle and a pergola with climbing roses for a Moon Garden.

That’s a good idea, we’re going to go with painter on the first room, once he leaves we can decide whether or not we paint the trims. More work, but playing it safe!

I like Sue’s wallpaper idea, or you could try something structural. The metal ring screenshot doesn’t do it justice, I’m sorry, but I’ve seen something like it irl, and it looked great. You could do something similar with plates/hats/your collectibles… Google search the wavy wall, if that interests you, as there are companies that create the material they’re made from. The timber wall could be as fancy as this one, or even a diy with battens, planking or even timber trim. You could use finely sliced stone, too. And depending on space, narrow floating shelves would also look great. Good luck