Hi Ni, I just thought of something....did you say you planned to do the stencil motifs on the window wall? If so, I am thinking they will be mostly hidden by the curtains. I wonder if it might be better to stencil the long wall that is on the right side of the room when looking toward the window. I could see this being a pretty backdrop to the prayer box (I think that’s what you called it?) and your wood cuttings. Then maybe the opposite wall (the one with the kitchen doorway) could hold a large piece of art?

I agree that there is too much going on, however some of the suggestions are costly and in my opinion don't completely take care of the problems. I like the design approach it is fresh and updated. I agree that the chimney cap is out of proportion and just needs a simple band at the top. In order to make the exterior remain timeless over the years, Now Sit Down for a minute, I would make all of the exterior the white color. I know you love red however this will tie the different components of the architecture together more than any thing else. You can still have high gloss red doors and red tile pavers on the ground. It would also be very classy the use white tile in place of the brick look. You could even mix gloss white tiles with matt finish tiles to give an interesting sparkle when you ride by. I like the wrought iron upper railing, but the vertical blocking on the right side looks too heavy. So I would continue the same railing around the corner and back toward the house until it connects to the other balcony railing. This also ties the house together. It would look much more classic to not have a grid in the tall window and instead have a solid piece of glass down to the transom and then from there down be solid glass as well. Glass block in the courtyard column sections with back lights would look unbelievable. I would arch the closed in section on the second level as it would show up more there than the window being arched does, so save the money and don't arch that window. I would either hang a long contemporary light on the right elevation to dress it up or insert a long strip of glass block lighted from the interior to achieve the same effect. I charge for renderings, because I list the materials as well. Best, Leo Dowell Interiors.com

Tsilanko, I would always recommend professional installation where needed. But what I am doing here is suggesting that WHEN you are planning to build or renovate, to consider how your plans will affect you in 20 or 30 years time. Split levels are very hep when you are young. A kitchen 3 steps down at 30 is rarely a problem, but might be a hazard at 60, or, as Marjie1059 suggested, if you break a leg. ... All my parents' homes were terrible for old people. They were forced to move to a bungalow in extreme old sge because the location and design of their home was more suitable for an active young couple with a large family than for an elderly couple with stroke disabilities. I would not want to move again, so my present home has features built in that make ageing in place simpler. Mostly small changes, like grab rails, and lever handles on doors and faucets. A major disability suddenly suffered requires major changes if permanent. I did look at this because it came up in the discussion, but if you look at the heading, Planning for Disability, it means just that. Plan ahead so you don't have to make expensive changes later on. But thank you for your advice, yes, major changes are not in the DIY domain.

Fencing for swimming pool is important. Mainly two basic reasons are there for considering the job of glass pool fencing Gold Coast. The first reason is safety, and the second reason is definitely enhancing the aesthetic values of your backyard pool area. Now, when it comes to pool fencing, different kinds are materials are used for the fencing job. Use of steel and wrought iron can commonly be found, while glass fencing has also gained popularity these days. Apart from these, traditional and low cost wood fencing is also there, but it would help you in enhancing aesthetic values of your pool area. Safety for Pets and Kids It is always enticing to have a pool at the backyard of the house. It enhances your property value, and makes your living more enjoyable. A relaxing weekend of summer can be enjoyed at the poolside with family members. Kids also love swimming, while adults too practice swimming on daily basis to stay healthy. However, having a pool has some drawbacks too. The primary drawback is that it is a safety threat for the toddlers. If you have toddlers in house, make sure that he or she does not go to the pool area alone. The same thing is applicable for pets as well. For the safety of toddlers and pets, pool fencing is a necessity. It will deliver the much needed sense of relief for you. Professional Installation For creating fencing gold coast and fencing at poolside, it is always better to rely on the professional service providers. Pool fencing job is not easy, and thus it is not do-it-yourself (DIY) kind of job. When you choose to hire professional service provider, you must seek two things. The first thing is accuracy in fencing job. The second thing is quickest services. Moreover, professional service providers can help you in choosing the right type of material for the fencing job. Tell them about your budget, and they shall come up with the best possible solutions within that budget. Durability of Pool Fences When you consider pool fencing Gold Coast, you need to choose fence material carefully so that you can be endowed with durability. Not all kinds of pool fences are durable enough. For example, if you are choosing wooden fences, they may last 2-3 years maximum. If you stay at an area where humidity is high or rainfall is common, you should consider omitting the idea of wooden pool fencing. Due to moisture, wooden fencing wood become damaged within a quick period of time. If you are seeking high end durability, stainless steel and glass fencing are recommended.