It's refreshing to see nautical, navy BLUE. Everyone is saying the same thing for the most part - just introduce another color, definitely bright (yellow or orange IMO) and it will make it more current. What I really like is how your style will withstand the test of time - and with minor updates now and then it will always look fresh and "current".

Thanks for responding. We're in Auckland, New Zealand and close to the sea. Outdoor living is quite important but it does get chilly in winter so it's a balance. There are three adults and two young children in the household (one of the adults is an Au Pair who likes to spend time in her own room in the evenings). The kids will watch their cartoons generally in the morning and a bit before dinner. Then in the evening my husband and I will relax and watch TV. Right now the kids' toys are in the family room downstairs. We are foodies and like cooking. Generally when guests come over we all hang out in our small kitchen at the moment. The dining table we use for every meal time. We also like the idea of being able to get to the deck from the kitchen, rather than having to carry food in summer through the lounge/dining. The entry way is that big in order to reduce on the structural work but also in order to ensure that the door to the staircase is not in the lounge.

Nobody's asking, but I wonder what a wood garage door would look like, something to bring out the bit of brick at bottom....I liked our split level.

Thanks for the feedback.. will consider, am keen to have a go at designing tho, already have an architect to run things thru re the legal details. I live in NZ btw, nice town, big lake, nice green scenery. Keeping my options open and considering all comments. Not afraid to design something different and stray from the norm. Thanks guys!