Your mockup scheme is similar to our master bathroom we just completed - photo below. I know you mentioned storage being a concern - our mirrored cabinet has offered an amazing amount of storage in a very small space and also helps bounce light around. I was worried about black taps etc too so we kept chrome fixtures but added in a matte black candle and black potted orchid to create a similar effect which we can change out later on. Our floor tiles are dark but because they are semi-polished they actually bounce around a lot of light and don't make the room feel dark if that is a concern. We also have a huge fiddle leaf fig in the corner (not pictured) which adds a really nice feel to the space - a plant like that could help bring in the outside greenery in your bathroom. Instead of the storage tower you have to the left of the vanity could you do say some floating wood shelving, possibly with baskets added for more hidden storage? You could also bring in the 60s theme with what you displayed on there eg. photos as you mentioned? In regards to the window - a previous house we lived in had a window at about shoulder height in the shower - as well as letting in heaps of light it was amazing for storing toiletries etc!

Hi there Victoria, Just trying to add a few more ideas, with a separate Pantry/Landry cupboard (this can easily be ducted and when the doors are closed very quite). Fridge and appliances all along the wall, the island can be what ever size you would prefer. It would also be nice to have a computer desk next to the kitchen by the window. I would also prefer the living area off the sliding doors to the alfresco area Bedroom 4 could have full height sliding doors coming together at the corner this can be close off or left open for times when extra space is needed for the family. And built in Wardrobes in the master would work best, just have something that blends in and looks special.

Thank you oklouise. That’s very nice of you to offer. We have had a builder provide some advice around some of the structural walls, etc - one of which is that little storage area under the new ensuite. We had explored removing that to make it a double garage but it really would blow out costs and advice was the extended double garage would probably be cheaper. I do very much see your point about spending money on legal-height extra room though - makes complete sense. I would like to do something with the front porch - with the deck and under deck areas, I don’t foresee us using the porch much at all. The exterior house walls are structural though so again, it could be costly to move. There is also a window into Bed2 that opens onto the porch so this would either have to be filled in (there is another one but not sure we want to decrease light or breeze) or built around. I did want to close in the screen door to the living room and build in a bit but it could be a lot of expense for perhaps a metre wide gain!!? I wasn’t sure how we were going to use the storage under the new ensuite but from your design, I think that garage area would be good as the kids play room and that area as their toy/games storage. With family overseas, we usually travel once a year and have luggage for all of us so happy to have just an extra storage room (such as that under the porch). We only really need 4 bedrooms so I still think sacrificing the upstairs study is probably still the best use of space. We were going to do the reno in two stages - garage, ensuite and stairs before we moved in and then downstairs afterwards. Perhaps we hold off on the stairs to live in and feel first.

It shouldn't be as cut & dry as having to change ALL the window spec. When energy ratings are done well specific windows can be identified as needing either higher or lower U values in order to comply, depending upon their size and orientation. Yes glazing spec is often the pinch point of whether the design gets over the line one way or the other, but there is always play available. For example I recall on a particular project the original windows design involved a certain spec and cost of windows. With some strategic size reductions across certain windows, say about 10-15% overall (in a way the really didn't make a huge difference to the design or light quality), we were able to reduce the glazing spec that resulted in about a 25% reduction in the windows price. Most energy raters are accredited specialists only in this regard, there are only 8 classified categories of "building practitioners" (builders, draftspersons, surveyors, inspectors. quantity surveyors, engineers, etc) so unless you happen to find someone like a registered builder or draftsperson who is also accredited for energy (most aren't these days) AND has the expertise to develop the type of performance solution report of an energy rating nature, it's going to be a challenge for you. Most consultants I know are one or the other but not both I know that this guy used to be a registered practitioner, but may not be anymore www.surfcoastenergy.com.au Any you could try http://www.greensphere.com.au - he's my go to energy consultant Good luck! PD