I think the first layout is fine. You might want to consider moving the door for the storage room of the master bedroom so that it opens into the hall. That way the kids can use it for overflow storage. Also, that hallway is big enough that I think it could hold a large armour, providing more closet space. (There's no need to sleep in the same room as your clothes, so long as they're not too far off.) Also, don't forget that while the drawing shows kids in double beds, this need not be the case, so there will be more room for furniture (dressers or whatever) in their rooms. Finally, that step to bedroom 4 will not be odd at all. I've seen it in other homes. It looks clumsy in the drawing but it isn't. What you'll see when you come up the stairs is a bedroom door on a slight diagonal. It's only an odd jagged step if you walk like a robot, in straight lines along the wall, which is what your eye is doing on the drawing but you won't do in real life.

Beautiful clean modern kitchen! You have a great opportunity to put your personal stamp on the space with a unique backsplash. As you've heard already there are some different approaches. I'd probably place the backsplash up to the wall cabinets and up to the base of the hood. Then continue the backsplash at the same height (18"?) behind the sink. Then place an inspiring colorful picture above the sink to break up the wall. Here's a picture with pendants that aren't too obtrusive. Having multiple levels of lighting at different lumens makes a more inviting feel to the space. I couldn't decipher your flooring, but you may also want to consider adding some nature elements like a type of wood flooring, wood stools, etc. Good luck! If you need software to plan out materials check out our Home Designer software: http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/

Despite previous opinions I have to say this - DON'T GET DOWN LIGHTS!!!! We had them in our previous home. They were constantly blowing no matter what kind of bulb used. The casings kept breaking. This meant we couldn't just change the bulb ourselves. It drove me mental. They spotlight certain parts of a room instead of lighting the whole room so when one of our main "culprits" kept blowing in the kitchen, I had no lighting above that bench until we could get an electrician in. More than one electrician told us they are a serious fire hazard. I will never have them again!

Hi Suz38, Being a creative business you can get away then the most offices so if you can take the challenge and have some fun turning your client meeting room into something crisp bright and colourful. Paint: walls a matt bright white, table - white high gloss white. Chairs: using colour therapy philosphy each chair should be a solid colour - yellow, green, and blue - yellow for optimism, green for creativity, blue for trustworthiness. This subtly sets the mood for the meetings you want to take place in this room. Art: Hang pieces of abstract art using the above colours (you could even have the staff paint them as part of a team building exercise). Lighting: LED strip lighting with covers at skirting board/floor level it'll make the room feel bigger. The covers are imperative for this idea to be appropriate. LED sconces in a sleek architectural design - put one or a pair on the longest wall Then group 12-16 mini 3W LED down lights over the centre of the table these down lights are small lights usually used in cabinet but look spectacular when used in non-traditional ways. During the day they'll add more light to the table and if you keep these grouped on a different light switch/gang you can use it after hours it's perfect for client/staff drinks. It's a very modern and looks glamourous without being over the top. Good luck - show us what you end up with, I'd love to see it.