Wow, Jonathan thank you for that, some lovely ideas! Unfortunately the builder starts on Tuesday and we have planning permission for the existing plans, but I do appreciate it (and wish I had come here earlier!) The elevated terrace would be lovely, but it's right next to our neighbours house (oddly, the largest windows look directly at the house next door). Our architect is local and doesn't really have opinions about design / aesthetics, and is more at the functional end of the spectrum, so asks what we want and then makes it work technically. Hence needing a little inspiration! I like the simple metal railings that have been shared, and the idea of colour matching to the windows, thank you! A perforated metal screen is very interesting and not something I knew existed. I did a quick google and only found very ornate or very industrial examples - has anyone seen anything like this used in a mid century context? We aren't being slaves to it, and are happy to go modern/MCM. But not a fan of an extremely severe 'industrial' look. The flooring I am completely baffled by - wood is nice but very slippery. Perhaps some sort of external tiles, so it feels like living space? Maybe to match the grey of the windows / railings, or is that too much? Thanks hugely!

Love that shelving idea. Very original. I assume the tv is behind the doors? I also saw your sauna feature in either the Living etc or Elle Decoration this month. Most impressive.

Very good point made by Dual Designs. I bought my German kitchens from Eco kitchens in Winchester and Sabine was a cut above anyone else I have ever dealt with in kitchens. You do need to do thorough research and there is some luck involved too. The Kutchenhaus and Schmidt in Bath (near me) both have fantastic reviews. We also met the people at the Homebuilding and renovating show from Kutchenhaus and they were so efficient at coming back to us quickly with a great design, Ultimately it was for a rental of ours so we did not use them in the end. Really true about UK manufacturing too at the high end. If I could afford Espresso or Roundhouse I would love to use either of them. I do dream of Vipp freestanding kitchens though if I won the lottery or Garde Hvalsoe.

Hi! When selecting durable, good-quality materials that aren't overly pricey, focus on options that balance longevity and value. For flooring, engineered wood, laminate, or luxury vinyl plank offers durability and a stylish look without the high cost of hardwood. For countertops, quartz and butcher block are affordable alternatives to granite or marble. In furniture, solid wood or plywood frames (rather than particleboard) provide sturdiness, and upholstered pieces in performance fabrics or leather alternatives like faux leather can be long-lasting and budget-friendly. For cabinetry or wall finishes, MDF with a high-quality veneer or laminate can be a cost-effective choice. Prioritise materials with good reviews for wear and tear, and remember that proper maintenance can greatly extend the lifespan of more affordable materials.