Here are a couple of suggestions for grouping artwork: [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/domicile-id-contemporary-living-room-orange-county-phvw-vp~206513[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/domicile-id-contemporary-living-room-orange-county-phvw-vp~206513) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/lawrence-karol-modern-new-york-phvw-vp~631279[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/lawrence-karol-modern-new-york-phvw-vp~631279) And there are a number of stories on Houzz which may be of assistance, including the following: [https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/how-to-use-artwork-to-make-buyers-fall-in-love-with-your-home-stsetivw-vs~34052353[(https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/how-to-use-artwork-to-make-buyers-fall-in-love-with-your-home-stsetivw-vs~34052353) [https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/what-we-can-learn-from-art-collectors-stsetivw-vs~43245980[(https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/what-we-can-learn-from-art-collectors-stsetivw-vs~43245980) [https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/curate-your-own-art-gallery-at-home-stsetivw-vs~31661125[(https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/curate-your-own-art-gallery-at-home-stsetivw-vs~31661125) [https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/whats-your-wall-gallery-personality-stsetivw-vs~43935117[(https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/whats-your-wall-gallery-personality-stsetivw-vs~43935117)

wow....it's beyond disappointing when you're let down such as how you have described......very much highlights the challenges and inconsistencies associated with the industry......I met with people just last week who had described a similar issue with a previous architect completely stuffing up the roof pitch on paper...it happens, and the human error risk is high, and it's a fine line between a smooth ride and something that completely unravels......... We put high emphasis and value of informed decision-making at all points of the process - what I think is confusing for people with this stuff is that it's (a) not that simple and (b) there are responsibilities required of BOTH the client and the designer. From our observations over the years we've been doing what we do, it's clear that at times the right information is not being dealt with or being sought or is missing or underestimated, and there's a lack of understanding and clarity as to the extent of who's responsibility is what on both sides and how the whole process is most effectively pursued and tied together in order to minimise various risks along the way. There's a whole lot of person/company "A" relying on information/advice from person/company "B"....I suppose as a designer we see ourselves (for the projects we service/take on) as somewhat as a "general manager" to the whole process to help direct and work towards specific outcomes for clients.......but it requires careful attention to detail and a thorough approach that ultimately translates to time and cost - and this is why it's so hard to compare professionals and weigh up value/costs because you're not necessarily comparing apples and apples.......we believe there's actually only one way to do it, and that involves proper investment in competent professional service.....any Pro design service that seems cheap/low is probably arguably not worth it at all......however you invest properly in a thorough service, with a well matched operator (for the project/client) with proven results, well it's by far the best way to protect your project investment..... But i can totally understand your healthy caution in how you go about things and I think it's about understanding these projects involve a great deal of collaboration and the level of communication and working relationships will very much influence the outcome one way or the other

Thanks for the ideas guys. I have attached the floor plan showing where structural support is required and clearer dimensions (sorry about that). My preference was to have the kitchen where Oklouise has positioned it as it flows great to the entertaining area. I also love the idea of a butlers pantry however this would mean losing a room which has lovely sunshine from NE. We were also concerned about the distance to kitchen from front door/ garage entry and making the lounge room the thoroughfare. We also couldn’t fit a decent sized island in this space, which is a must for us if it contains the sink. We really love the servery idea, but not sure if blocking the view by building the kitchen along the window is the right decision. I have attached a photo of this room so you can see the outlook. There are challenges with every design and I’m struggling to know what to prioritise. So very keen to know others opinions. Cheers Jo jo

where does the short hallway lead and is it possible to remove that wall? with small children i would be keep as much clear floor area as possible with easy access to storage for games and toys and there appears to be enough space for two x three seater lounges and two small armchairs (that can be easily moved into different locations and but having furniture with open legs instead of covered to the floor and small coffee tables and/or foot stools will help the space feel less crowded