It looks pretty good. I would consider giving some thought to improving, if possible, the "look and feel" of the entry/hallway. At the moment, when you enter through the front door you will just be looking into an almost never-ending hallway that either ends in a closed door to the rumpus or if that door is open, a glimpse of a wall in the rumpus. I'm not sure what can be done without opening up the kitchen/dining/family/rumpus room as an open plan space, although I presume that was deliberately avoided for heating/cooling or noise/privacy reasons. Is there any scope to increase the ceiling height in the hallway? Or any area not covered by the upstairs floor for a skylight? Or could you have a double-height area around the stairwell perhaps? I would ensure that you have good sound insulation between the guest bathroom and the pantry/dining area. I would also consider whether the size of the kitchen is sufficient for your needs. It looks disproportionately small when compared to the size of the family and rumpus rooms. That's fine if you don't spend much time in the kitchen, either when cooking or entertaining, but it might be something you want to reconsider. I'd also consider swapping the location of the pantry door and fridge space. With the fridge door open, the immediate access to the kitchen would be blocked. That could turn out to be an annoying aspect in the future if you live with someone who likes to peruse the contents of the fridge at their leisure. Also, you may want to give some thought as to how you will use the family room and how you intend to furnish it. I'm not sure if you plan to have a TV in that space, but if so, unless the sofa is positioned far away from the TV, you could end up with some dead space at either end. Unless that space would be used for a study area. Or maybe a reading area. If you're planning on using the rumpus as a home theatre, then you may want to think about cutting back on the number of windows and doors if you like watching movies in a truly dark room. That's only if you're a pretty serious viewer! The alfresco looks somewhat long and narrow. Again, I would give some thought as to how you want to use and furnish that space. If you're just planning on having a long table with bench seating, I think it would be fine. But, if you wanted a nice outdoor lounge, you may have trouble finding one (although there are plenty of modular options). Good luck!

Hi siriuskey I apologise for not replying to you earlier but I have been reviewing your last plan over and over wanting to use the layout of the kitchen but concerned about the other changes. My main concern was the wiw/laundry area and the loss of a room, either the study or bed 4. But the idea gave me food for thought and I have been trying to work out a solution. Where there’s a will there’s a way! I can see exactly what you mean about having the Butler’s Pantry in front of the window which was a major concern of mine even though I thought the servery was a really good idea. Thank-you for taking the time to point this out …and in such depth which would’ve been very time consuming for you! I must admit it was a surprise to see the kitchen placement in your last layout. I would never ever have thought about doing that but loved the idea! I have tweaked the plans a little by simplifying some of the changes and adding a few of my original ideas and I think I have come up with a solution. I will be very interested on your thoughts! I placed the existing furniture (to size) into each of the rooms to see how it works with the new layout. Oh… and I love your suggestion about being able use the dining/family rooms as either! I have also left the wall between the family room and lounge to see how it works before removing it completely but opened it up with double doors allowing entry from the front door to the main area...and a view of the fireplace is always welcoming. It’s a great idea for a toilet and shower to service the pool area under the deck downstairs…I think that would work as there’s no limestone there (and no we’re not in SA) but I’II look at that once I get organised with these plans! Thank-you again for your time and help…your feedback on my ‘tweaking’ would be greatly appreciated!

When planning a home you should also consider the options for the future. For family living (possibly a future owner) a laundry in the house is often very convenient, and a laundry in a garage may scare away potential buyers. I visit lots of homes with my Dr Retro House Call service and so many laundries also work as a pet bedroom. The household dog, or cat, and all of their food, leads etc, often live in the laundry, which is more convenient, and safer (and more secure) than having them in the garage. It also depends on your climate, and the laundry in a garage has been done quite a bit in Queensland where the winter temperatures are mild. I would not consider it in Melbourne, as your garage will not be properly insulated, and it will be cold to use. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Thanks oklouise, your advice is helpful as always! Great idea witg the microwave, cheers. We initially planned to have the microwave stacked, however with a double oven it would place to microwave too high. I'm not too keen on the kids lifting hot things out above head height. What is your thinking with moving the position of the study nook?