Well I think my husband mainly wants to hide the chocolate stash away from me as where I would use it to store vases and everything else that you usually keep in the top of the pantry(you only get out once or twice a year). He does have a point but I am worried about boxing ourselves in - no room for growth. He is definitely not itching for his next project (we have been working weekend, after weekend on this house - decking, paving, etc) I worry about the lack of storage. Mainly because I really just like to finish a room and move on. Because I use this space every day its annoying me with how uncompleted it feels to me. I do think it needs something to finish it off and look complete. But I'm glad you like it though Madeline :) I have been researching with what people have suggested and the main trouble I foresee having is actually getting the right product delivered and available. Most don't ship to where I am (I live in a small coastal city) and its about 5hrs drive from the only Ikea in the state or I will have to wait 8 weeks for delivery from over east. So I really have to plan it right. I am reading the reviews on open shelving... well lets just say that is interesting. Thanks again!

If you are after plans of architecturally designed homes, magazines may be your best bet (try libraries as you are unlikely to get most at the newsagent), however there are also a number of open homes and architecturally designed homes that are open to the public, including the Rose Seidler House. Also, if you are trying to get away from the kit-home look, take note of how the architects and designers use everyday material creatively in unexpected ways to achieve a highly polished look. As for your floor plans, further work is needed to the downstairs plan. I would seriously question whether you need two bathrooms downstairs. The bathroom for the guest room could be used by everyone (maybe consider setting it up as a three-way bathroom). You can remove the doors between the pantry and the butler's pantry, it is already hidden and just uses up space. As MB Design & Drafting has said, there is a lot of empty space on the downstairs plan and there is going to be an empty void around the meals area. Also of note, try to have continuity in your windows - that is, try to minimise the number of different sized windows and ensure they are standard sizes where possible (its cheaper and more cost effective to make 10 of one thing rather than 10 custom sizes); and try to ensure that the header and sills have a relationship. You have engaged an architect as you feel they are able to successfully design you ideal home. I would suggest giving the architect the ability to experiment and push your brief, otherwise you are doing yourself and them a disservice and you should have gone to a draftsperson how would have simply just drawn up your ideas as you stated them. You are on the right track, so don't give up! Often a design needs lots of discussion between the client and the architect before a great design can be achieved. Whilst it is wonderful that public forums such as this exist, ultimately the discussion needs to occur between yourselves and the architect as you are the ones who will be living there. Take time to listen to their ideas, and don't be afraid to question something you don't understand.

Hi Tania, Congratulations on getting this far, It can be so baffling to take a project on by yourself, furnishings and design. I believe a monochromatic colour scheme is always interesting when pairing black, greys and whites with different textures. Black is one of the few colours that actually matches with everything, It is the most versatile of colours. Any style, including scandinavian, industrial contemporary or mid-century modern can incorporate black into the colour scheme so whatever style you choose will work fantastic and timelessly. If you so wish, have a peek over on my page. It is a sanctuary to black and white and prints of most works are available. Q1. Recommendation on artprint/artwork (of course I'll suggest my own works ;) they work equally well in both living areas and bedrooms as they have no loud colour scheme, however the 'Spheres' work are particularly soothing in a bedroom area. http://www.houzz.com.au/projects/1700859/contemporary-black-and-white-large-scale-charcoal-artwork http://www.houzz.com.au/projects/1967180/new-series-spheres-grids Q2. How many art print to hang above the couch or bed? depending on the size of the works you choose, one in a landscape layout above the bed of a series of three may work equally as well. Q3. A suitable colour scheme (pillows for sofa, prints) monochromatic, greys, whites and blacks like I mentioned above mixed with various textures and a soft pastel pallet for cushions etc. Good Luck Tania and be sure to post photos afterwards! Miriam :)

Looks lovely, although the large cream rug will show every dirty mark and that would do my husbands head in