The space looks a bit cold & clinical at the moment. Add sheer curtains to the window from ceiling to floor this wall Add some drama and also help to soften the look. I don't think the corrugated iron works use timber instead . A rug will better define the space perhaps with pops of colour like yellow , orange or red this will add some warmth. Prints on the wall , large pot plants side tables and floor lamps . In the billiard area it would look good to add a pendant lamp over the table you can buy ones specifically for billiard tables . More pops of colour also a couple of occasional chairs . You could also add more timber here to give more ambiance. Happy decorating .

Hi There Brian, I have been pondering your UK project, and like all big cities around the world, affordability is out of reach of most. Harking back to the Aussie House built which was once garage and is now a 5 story home. Is you your plan part of a complex? or is there opportunity for access to a roof top?. My concern is to make the most of internal space, the first floor would be Ok, but for top end dollar I would like to see two good sized bedrooms with ensuite, to accommodate 2 professionals or 2 adults and child/guest. Is there anyway that the 1.5 down stairs out door space could be included as internal space and part of the bedrooms, with glass panels/skylights opening, with blinds for privacy. This would then do 3 things allow more fresh air and light along with space for decent ensuites and WIR. I think that the 1,5 if allowed is more important for internal space. If you do have access to roof top the laundry could be moved back up to the entry level. Also have you considered a single stair case, is it a modern contemporary house. Just thinking cheers

It's always exciting to think about potential plans for a newly purchased home. However unless you have experience and knowledge in regards to construction, costs and understand how particular design decisions impacts these things, you'd be best to (a) take some time to develop a clear picture or "vision" of the type of home you are aiming for and then (b) invest in some professional advice to help guide you towards your goals. When you say you can't afford to spend thousands on drawings, I'd argue that anyone considering a significant renovation project should allocate a certain component of their budget to professional design as a no-brainer investment to maximise the project potential and mitigate potential issues such as cost blow-outs or worse spending money in ways that misses opportunity and doesn't add value. Investment in planning and design is arguable THE most critical and $$ worth spending in order to get the best outcomes. As you have brought up, there are a whole lot of aspects to work through and negotiate, such as levels and structure. In order to get any sort of advice (either independently or on forum) measurements are critical and the first thing to establish, as well as other relevant contextual information such as levels and boundaries. Any design decisions directly impact costs, and unless you know what you're doing you can potentially head down a path of relatively expensive and extensive internal reconfiguration. Sure some of this may be required, but as we find regularly with these types of projects, mitigating renovation scope and exploring opportunity for some complimentary logical "clean"/simple extension aspect can be often the better option on a number of levels: better value, increased living space & better investment return longterm Best of luck working through it - and even if you do minimal work, it's clearly a good property investment Cheers PD :)

No offence Dreamer , but personally I think all those pictures reinforce my thought , that a sloping roof above the garage door is too predictable , too cliched , too expected . I assume the designer put the gable there to take it away from the expected , but by having the 'other' roof style ( I think its called a hip roof ? ) above the balcony , it doesn't look right . Risky , but thats why I'd be tempted to do 2 gables ( a 3rd one above the 2 upstairs windows would look too square IMO ) , as they don't offend , but conversely aren't what 95% of people would do -- adds some individuality without looking too outside the square .