Sorry I am so late coming to your site - you are an inspiration to all, homeowners and advisers alike. For your planting advice, I suggest you call Merrifield Garden Center to see if they will come out your way. They currently have wonderful garden centers in Merrifield and Fairfax (both in Fairfax County) and a new one in Gainesville, but they may come further south to wherever you reside. (www.MerrifieldGardenCenter.com) Even if they don't send designers to your area, they are worth a trip to see their huge selection for a day of pleasure and inspiration, or to pick up some plants. Most of my clients are in the Fairfax and greater Washington area, but I am currently living out west below Front Royal, VA on the Shenandoah mountainside - wonderful views. cascio.offsite@gmail.com

Thanks :) Yeah decided to go with tile. So sand cement is ok over existing tiles if I prep them first? Only problem is, the new pad can only be about 30mm at it's thickest (leaving up to 15mm for tiles) otherwise it'll end up being higher than the hallway floor. So I either need to make the fall shallower or not bother with the waste and make it all level. If I made it level, could I use levelling compound at that thickness or would deck mud/sand cement be the best option? Also, should I be putting in mesh for strength? (I know I should (and will) ask the local hardware what they suggest, but it's great to have suggestions from the Houzz community also)

Very , very nicely done , and clever too ! It looks like you have used the existing windows and joinery , added those white gloss pillar 'covers' to modernise the whole look , and the lattice centre piece not only adds interest , but would also add light around the front door too . It also looks like you have added a garage on the right hand side , all in the same style to tie it all in . Like Courtenay , I love the entrance , although just personally , I would have done the gate in a slightly darker stain -- it looks a bit light ( to me ) in comparison with the shingles , and the painted brick -- especially as the gate will fade , the bricks not so much . Really , my only 'picky' bit . Well , apart from the copy writer , who has a heading about a Hamilton makeover , then talks about Tauranga architects and Tauranga's Fraser Street haha -- a small error , but why ?

We are almost finalising our first home plans and would love some help please. Our list of "wants" clashed with our budget and we had to downsize a little. If anyone could help would be much appreciated. Bedroom 1 we are pretty happy with but would love to include a small study nook (just big enough for desk top computer and a chair. Bedroom 2 lost its WIW unfortunately ... would it be possible to put a wardrobe behind the bed and reshape the ensuite to lengthways? Any help would be most appreciated. Thank you all so much.