I'm hopeful that a pro will provide you with some great ideas. Yours looks like some of the "befores" that they do brilliant changes to on the TV reno shows. Most architects will come up with excellent solutions within the space if that's what's required, but nothing worthwhile is likely to be done cheaply though.

Oh wow you have been busy! It's funny, I was at my Mum's today and we were discussing your plans. We decided the bunk room was a bit small and she suggested moving it back like you have done. Agree the fireplace will be be better on the western wall, with flow from the kitchen to the backyard with large doors. I'm torn about whether the changes to make the mudroom bigger are changing too much what I loved about the previous iteration, i.e. the void and the toilet placement. Although my hubbie wasn't sure about the toilet where it was previously as he was worried sound would carry into the lounge I never thought of that to be honest and really liked how it entered from under the stairs ‍♀️ No views to the south so no need for the window seat, would prefer the void I think and no need for bath downstairs. Which version do you think works better? Perhaps the mudroom was big enough? I did like the extra room off it for storage etc Thanks so much for the renders, I'm a bit concerned that it now doesn't look like my original picture. I'm really trying to keep the look as American as possible with the pitch of the veranda and the pitch of the roof. This style has been my dream and is really so much a part of my vision. I don't want something that looks similar to other houses. Sorry if this seems silly. My builder did mention about the gas bottles and how they need to see their truck. Good idea between the carports. I wonder if it's cost prohibitive to have them buried at the front? Can I ask what the total sqm is for both upstairs and down?

yes on closer look I'd agree with 3D re master layout, but of course it is personal preference......it seems a little strange walking through a robe before accessing a main master space - I think this part of the issue with the upper layout in that you've got master zone directly next to the 2nd (kids) living area and what this is trying to achieve is appropriate separation, which it does, but arguably not managed as well as it could be. I like the lobby idea, but ideally the master should come off the lobby and then maybe then access the ensuite via the WIR if you need.....IMO it's worth considering other layout options in this area - it's like it's a tight site flow solution that's being forced because of the scale, when a master suite for a residence such as this should not feel odd or awkward. but properly balanced....perhaps the answer is something like flipping the master and Bed 3 positioning so the Master access is more direct via a lobby and the Bed 3 is more appropriately zoned like the others...various pro's& cons to weigh up one way or the other

Light blue? How does that tie in with the existing house colours? I'm not sure I can picture it, it's like two separate things going on? There's nothing wrong with a dark colour scheme if it works. I think it works well with lots of greenery, that's what I feel is missing, a sense of lushness which really enhances that style of house.