There was a similar discussion last week, maybe you can get some ideas from it: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/help-for-exterior-cedar-siding-trim-color-dsvw-vd~661559

None of the above - I love prairie, desert or mountain scapes. The water photos are too "cold" looking (I've experienced both - I still feel chilled when I think of it), the mossy forest is a bit creepy (beautiful but creepy) and I'm not fond of having humans on my wall - even if it is as minimal as a child's hand holding a dandelion (the sky in that photo is to "cold" looking - like a cold fall day). That's just me. They are all great photos. Just not my style.

Well balancing out material and costs labour costs is one thing but 2 story is quite a bit cheaper to build ; far less foundation and roofing area. It also simplifies the plumbing and of course is far more energy effective as downstairs heating will also contribute to upstairs heating. PROs can develop on this. And as Curt points out, modular is a very fast and cost effective solution which can allow you to put your pennies into better quality. Be very careful to select a known and competent professional if you go this way though, i don't know about NZ but europe abounds with cowboys ; low costers are to be strictly avoided.

My last household purchase was new sliding doors to the outside from my dining room. This then led to the building of a deck, new railing on said deck and existing terrace, new blinds as the old window length curtains no longer did the trick, then the paving stone path to the deck from the garden gate, some new planting to accommodate that, AND outdoor lighting for what has now become an alternative entrance to the house! Oh, and painting as well. So I can liken my last purchase to a bit of a triffid - it kept growing! But SO worth it! It has added another room/space to my house, increased light and warmth, added value and created a more welcoming entrance than before. Love it!