I love nature so I saw the mountains first, then the flat roof, then the rain chains, then the glass walls, then the man, then the dog, then the whole picture. Quite a pleasing aesthetic overall. ...and Chook, I'd like to know WHY you are up on the roof in the first place!

The photo below is my suggestion for colour of floor. Furniture should be darker - similar to below. For the rug - choose one colour from the artwork and find a similar coloured rug. Don't put a mantle over the fireplace - it could be a health hazard - bumps and bruises. Blinds - unless you want them to make a statement I think white - to match window frames would be fine.

Since I'm married, I will take Sheldon, have many gifted people in my family and friends, so am used to them. Plus I know he won't get sleazy. Am prepared for him rubbishing my applied science degree, and lack of a Doctorate, as long as he pays for dinner. He can keep his spot.

siriuskey, Yes, the courtyard is open to the sky (no roof over it), I assume this is what you mean by double story. Ref. below photos, I would love to get this look, especially the first and last photo, where you can see family living space from the first floor. I can't achieve this in my plan as it eats a lot of floor space upstairs. The referred plan (photos) has a very big void combining staircase, hallway and dining area. I know it is not easy with cooling and heating when you have such a big void. So, I explored a few ideas (with my limited knowledge on this topic) before achieving the current floorplan. I have also thought about, in my current plan, extending the void on the staircase to the dining area (it is more like L shape) but i wasn't sure if that makes any difference. keen to hear your thoughts.