yes, lots of glass..a couple of suggestions to the south side, change double glass doors to timber, matching the garage door, keeping the sidelight windows. Landscaping will definitely help, perhaps a timber screen could be used as well. I think if you stick with the original design, and enhance it with double glazing will work wonders. The sunroom can be extended out to give more space, make a side door to access the courtyard, and possibly another side door to access the patio behind the garage. I wouldn't mess with trying to turn the courtyard into living space, can gym equipment be setup in the garage? Not sure the rules about doors opening onto a spa in the courtyard either..it could be subject to restrictions.

We used this design in our main/kids bathroom. The shape of our room is a bit more square than what I have seen for most bathrooms set out like this though so there is actually space to the side of the shower before the bath starts. I don't find that I need to clean any of it more than I otherwise would but the kids do alternate between bath/shower and don't often wash hair in shower at this stage. I like that all the water/splash/dry off area is contained and that guests can use the toilet/basin without having to walk past shower/bath, as they did with previous layout. We have good ventilation and heating to help the wet area dry out and keep bodies warm when toweling off. I agree that a built-in or back-to-wall style of bath would be a more practical choice. Also keep in mind the size of the shower head and how far/what direction the water will spray. Ours is a fairly modest diameter and over head so the water doesn't spray out everywhere.... I don't let the kids use the hand-held one yet!!!!

I think the sketch you have done is a good layout for the space you have to work with. I'd consider putting the dishwasher under the sink for cost effective plumbing and also when you rinse the dishes they go straight in the dishwasher instead of leaving a dripping mess on the floor. Could the microwave go underneath the bench that's on the return? if you work with a good kitchen designer they will ensure things like doors open properly and dont hit things and that the ergonomics are set up correctly. Good luck! let me know if I can be of any assistance. Cheers Bronika

How much are you willing to spend on this? The issue is adding an extra bedroom without increasing the living space is that whilst it can provide a "tick box" extra it will not necessarily in reality be a house that is spatially well balanced for the overall function it's trying to achieve. It's about rationalising priorities and I'd be think about both your immediate needs and then the 3-5 year "sales" plan, in that (a) do you need 4 bedrooms now and (b) would it be better to have a more spacious 3 bedroom scenario to put to market than an arguably compromised 4 bedroom set-up. I reckon your instincts are correct in that an improved/expanded kitchen/living zone will make a (more) significant difference, as well as getting a properly appointed laundry and additional separate powder, which is what your original concept achieves. It's not right & wrong, but rather what is better or worse suited to your particular needs/goals. Best of luck PD :)