You need to add something dark, for contrast and "punctuation".. I agree with the others about painting the front door black (not gray) and would also paint the planter boxes, step, and sides of the porch black. Perhaps as well the window trim and even the eaves trough although I would want to see the roof color better to decide on that. Then some brightly coloured plants in the planters and maybe a small brightly painted stool or chair or small table to the side of the door on the porch area. These things would make the font of the house "sing" and add personality so the home stands out from others around it.

I agree with Catherine. I see more effort put into the design of a study/home office area than ever before. If my clients don't have the extra room to create a working space then we look at how they can incorporate a workspace into their living areas. I'm also finding that a lot of people don't have the time or expense to keep updating their interiors but instead are looking for timeless designs when it comes to furniture and kitchen/bathrooms. A space can be updated with accessories and art. Another trend I have seen is for more people to put more of themselves into their home design. I have seen so many homes that look exactly like showrooms or display houses (which some of them I can say are stunning but they all look the same) - however my Clients have said "well the designer told me this is what is on trend and that this is what homes look like'. And my Clients don't even like the end result! They just go with it because. People want their homes to stand out from their friends and neighbours and this can only be done with using the Clients personality tastefully.

Miranda You appear to be making all the right choices in life. I will be a little bit presumptuous by offering some advice on helping you to raise your child in touch with nature in this age full of all the electronic lures that keep the kids indoors. or, when outdoors, glued to a small screen, rather than the glory that surrounds them. I am writing a book about landscape architecture and have a section regarding the importance of embracing nature in the preschool years. - which I would like to forward that section to you. However, my computer skills are limited to email and US Mail. I don't even know how to attach a picture to the text. If you would like to receive this draft from my future book, send me your email or postal address, and I'll get it right off to you. My email is cascio.offsite@gmail.com Good luck with your new challenges and opportunities. Joe Cascio

I agree with Jabinika that it doesn't look great just now. However if storage is an issue its a wasted space, and should be put to work. It looks as though many things are not yet finished. With lots of light paintwork and some aesthetically pleasing storage boxes, I feel it will do well. It would be good to see a pic of it complete.