Hello again!! Just short of 2 years later, my den is finally finished and looks pretty much like how I've envisaged it. Few months ago, I was extremely lucky to meet this carpenter who is really good and doesn't mind building my 'designs' :)) and we got to work. After finishing the hall and main bedroom (http://www.houzz.co.uk/projects/723044/hall / [https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/colour-for-unit-top-dsvw-vd~2977620[(https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/colour-for-unit-top-dsvw-vd~2977620)) we finally started on my den. As you'll notice, in planning the space, I've used a mixture of your ideas above: it has a secret door, a (folding) desk, it's a bit of an art gallery and has a few other surprises! The initial plan had to be altered to accommodate my new hobby :)). Almost one year ago, I had this mad idea to start painting (on) glass and then to make silly clay figurines, so I adapted the space to suit my pursuits (like the slightly tilted shelves for paints, peg board for scissors, top shelf for expo, etc). Plus, you can't really tell which of the panels are in fact secrets doors!! As for the rest, I bought a rubber mat to protect the oak floor and I'm using a trolley for the rest of the materials, so it can easily be moved out the way in case we need access to the back. Carpenter insisted on the LEDs, I'm not that keen on them. So, ignoring the arty-farty clutter, what do you think of my space?

Lol, Jesse, I had to study that photo AVSinteriors posted forever to figure out what you meant about the tile direction but after I did I do see what you mean. I never thought of it that way but logic states the water would run off the vertical lengths of grout far more successfully than it will the horizontal! I went in the current family bathroom and had a look at the tiling - very interesting. And a plan changer. I'm glad we hadn't gone too far in planning the shower area yet. Well spotted you on that tile, this is the first time I've heard anyone mention that! I love the inset teak mat-floor for the shower area of that wetroom, too.

I had a bit of a switch clutter nightmare designing a minimalist house. With thermostats, lights and powered venetian blinds it could have been awful. But these switch arrays look pretty good I think, even though I have to have so many of them. They are designed by the architect Siza Vieira and manufactured by Efapel in Portugal. http://www.efapel.pt/fotos/editor2/EFAPEL_en_quadro45.pdf But I don't know if they'd be usable in UK.

I feel like I'm making loads of decision but still not really getting anywhere. There is so much to think about! Spotted some lovely toggle light switches so I've already bought them. I know where the light switches are going but its a case of figuring out the best places to put the plug sockets because we have so many in my mums house but we still run out! We've opted for a few USB sockets too so at least if we are charging phones and laptops, we are freeing space for other things too. In terms of kitchen layout, the suggestion of the seating in the bay window is great but because that would mean the kitchen would have to go at the other end, we've decided against this. It would work, and would probably be the best option once the horrible extension is knocked down but at the moment, the extension blocks all the sun light on that side so the kitchen would be very dim and dark for a while. The extension is something we are saving for and is more likely to be done in 4-5 years time so I'm not sure it makes sense to be in a dark corner for that length of time. We've had the house a month tomorrow and so far it has been ripping the house apart. January is the month we put everything back! Super excited. Plumber, heating engineer and builders are all put to the task in January. New floor in the kitchen, wall removed and built up again to accommodate the new window so that we can have units underneath, first fix plumbing, first fix heating and boiler installation. All other windows to be installed. Hoping that guttering and chimneys can be looked at too! We have a chimney breast on almost every wall which I'm sure was great for heating years ago but as they are no longer used, they cause so many damp issues! I bought paint tester pots today - I have no idea why, we are nowhere near ready for that but it just felt nice to buy something pretty and cosmetic rather than look at insulation and damp proofing. P.S; any suggestions on obscure glass for the bathroom and hallway? I've been given a huge list of options but unsure as to what to choose. Thinking just Contora or Arctic?