nben1, Hi, I would open a 42" to 45" opening on both ends of the wall between living and study. That would leave room for a TV with components in a unit below. A desk would be nice in the back left corner of the study, with art or photo above, a chair in the back right corner and a chaise or small sofa on the wall behind the tv. That would make everything look roomier and make the study more inviting. In the living an L shaped seating would be nice floating with a small console behind. Good luck!

A houzz contributor, not too long ago, had made a wine rack out of 4'x4' wooden pallets, that are used in the US to move a load of goods with a fork-lift truck. Perhaps they have them in your country. He cut them in half so they were only two feet deep and stacked them up to high counter height. The wood would be a nice contrast with your concrete, might add a little warmth to the space. cascio.offsite@gmail.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.

they kinda have no choice ladies, they have to have an architect in miami! i just kinda figured they were trying to figure out what they wanted in the home? to me, even if i had a home built? i would have houzz people on board from the beginning. there are too many things thrown at you, and yet too many choices assumed without any input. like all master bathes must have 2 sinks right? well not mine, and i might want the space and $ spent somewhere else?