I don't think I could cope with an open plan bathroom, I like wet areas to be totally separate, the steam entering the bedroom would be of concern and I would not want to even think about a toilet. We did not even like the idea of having the ensuite opening directly off the bedroom, instead have the dressing room opening off it with the ensuite opening off that. Having the dressing room between the ensuite and bedroom totally minimises noise. I find it far more convenient to walk from the shower directly to the dressing room to dress without even going into the bedroom.

Love those ideas thanks Pazz. Thanks for your time on it. There is a window along the wall I have marked at 4m. However there are no windows along the wall marked 7mtr, as we are right up close to the neighbours. All natural light will only be from either end of the rooms (ensuite and other end) I like your ideas there and it's definitely a start. I wonder if there is a way to have light from the courtyard come through to the walk in robe and bedroom. I am imagining being able to see the courtyard from the bedroom but can't quite figure out how that could work? I had thought of having the walk in robe up the 4m end, but this would then limit any natural light coming in from that window. I do love what you have suggested with widening the room and doing away with the closed off lobby. Thanks again for taking time to look at this for me.

Hi oklouise, thank you for the 3D drawing it really does make it easier to visualize the project. :-) To your question of why we are keeping the wall between the kitchen and dining......... The original plan (we got it from the council) is not true to the current kitchen design. The current kitchen is unworkable. The wall that divides it from the dining room is brick and has a tiled bench with cupboards underneath and one very narrow open shelf and room for a fridge. There is a small island bench parallel with that which has electric hotplates (that don't work properly) with minimal to no set down on either side and a rangehood that sounds like a plane taking off. I cannot open my fridge door all the way as the island has been built too close (it cannot be moved). On the other side of the island bench is a column that houses an oven on one side and a robinhood ironing board/centre which doesn't work, on the other. There is a sink under the window with minimal set down on the LHS. The wall that divides the two rooms will accommodate the new hotplates, rangehood and ovens. The new sink will replace the old one under the window and a new island, parallel with the window will give me the bench space I am missing. (I know that many like to have a sink or hotplates on the island, however I will be happy with just bench and drawers). By the way, none of the internal walls are load bearing. Hi siriuskey. I love the fireplace and it works - sad to see it go however, we will dismantle it and rebuild it outside and replace it with a closed wood heater on the wall near where the old laundry is. And your suggestion of extending the ensuite in that direction is a good one . Hi Paul Di Stefano Design, yes we have discussed the design with a couple of professional design companies, and even considered bulldozing and rebuilding however that was going to be a more expensive option, and we have gorgeous established gardens that we want to keep. I agree, we are touching almost everything and discovering more issues as we go.

We intend to stay in our master upstairs for sometime and move down when we feel comfortable OR move them both into the guest bedroom which is opposite the new master. We originally had our master suite upstairs with the boys room down stairs, however we think it's safer this way when they are younger. The 1st floor will be their domain, with their own kitchenette, bathroom, study, living and deck... so they will never have to leave home 😉 I think I have drawn up 300 different options 🤦‍♀️ Does your huaband and his Identicial twin have an amazing bond? My Boys are identical and its incredible to watch how intuitive they are.