Thanks Orangecamera. It's still a work in progress and mud everywhere Sorry we did look at having the steps' off set' but it didn't seem to go with only three steps and a small area. And about the zen well the cats are doing that for us much to our disappointment (it's still like a litter box to them). We went to the garden supply place still not knowing what kind of stones we were getting. We stood in front of all the bins (there where many). We even looked at mixing some. The grey stones had a bin more the size we wanted but we ended up getting the golden fleck. It was a little smaller, which was a shame, the bigger ones were so mixed in their grading it looked too messy. So this is what we finished up with. It was seagardens that got me thinking away from grey and nwduck mentioning the drainage. So this has really helped. Also everyone seem to think the wooden steps needed to go a lot lower. Next it's figuring out where the large river stones should go

Also take a look at Room and Board....they have several tables with different wood finishes or wood/steel/metal bases and a good selection of various tabletop materials. Also if you prefer a wood table, an area rug underneath the table could also help to break up all of the wood too.

I love your post, there is a blueprint and you are giving out details and whishes witch is making it easier for all of us to help you and your family. This floorplans reminds me a bit about my uncles house. here are some of my thoughs witch you may/or may not use. I am not sure about the NSEV directions which have a major influence in building a house. Parenting so many kids also influence the house and the lifestyle in the home. I would maybe add, or rebuild an ancle to the house prevent from wind on the terrace. Commidded as you sound i would go all in with all of your wishes. I think a big master bathroom is needed to be used as a place to relax with so much to look after. I dont now if your coing to use the door in the lundry room or in the pantry most. I thinks its best to have your garrage entry close to the pantry and kitchen. A open kitchen is also a big decision when you have so many young kids. I would maybe add a breakfast area in the kitchen. SOme other things to consider is maybe the entry and the long hall way. I think you and your family might be a bit tired of the loong hallway. if possible i would switch the entry and the office. to make the entry in to the livingroom, if le librarry is going to be used as a familyroom. A toilet should always be placed near an entry to the house. And an extra toilet is only for u to clean along the way.... I you are looking to expad the family i would maybe build a playroom in the middle of all the kids rooms. At my uncle ealier house theay had a combined office space, guest room, playroom to combind a space for all of the children and their friends to be in. As far as going to design in your home can also maybe influence the layout. I think wood floors or tiles depend on style. I Personally prefer laminet wood floors in the kitchen and entry, but you are to buy some lovely tiles now a day. Pleace ask for a new blueprint suggestion if you are up for some changes. good luck.

Lighting - pendants over the servery bench should be another feature that complements your chosen kitchen surfaces. So whilst I love the copper pendants in picture 1.. They could work depending on the rest of your decor and would be a highlight in a neutral white/timber kitchen = Good! If you choose copper you would complement it with a couple of copper bench top items. These are beautiful! (I collect copper because I love it, my kitchen pendants are silver, I renovated to sell in the next 3-5 years) You will see a picture starting to form in your mind and there is nothing wrong with making a statement with your lighting. I found that when I wasn't sure I would get a very strong sense of what was right and what was wrong for a space, then common sense or passion would determine the outcome! Here are another couple that might work, look her on Houzz under lighting, search pendants, then have fun looking!Timber tones with black or white to complement your cabinets... or Statement white pendants for a bit of quirky fun! Your personality can be reflected in your lighting and accessories creating that point of difference from the predictable white on timber look. Plus don't forget the power of greenery to punctuate the theme!