I helped my Dad build a fire pit in his garden, he made wooden seats to sit around the metal fire pit with old stone columns for extra seating (unfortunately you can't see the actual fire-pit as behind the stone bench). Lots of stories and fun are had around it until deep into the night. If you have the space it is a great addition to put in! Shannon

A toilet can be off the kitchen. There is no need for a separating lobby any more, that went out a number of years ago. Planning is different from Building Control. Your local Planning office will have no jurisdiction over the insides of your home unless its a listed building. Building control will only need to be involved with something like this if you are making structural alterations requiring steel work. As long as you use certified and Insured contractors for all the electrical work its doubtful you'd need to involve Building Control. However; The w.c. must have its own hand wash sink, using the kitchen sink is not acceptable under current Building Regulations. The w.c. must be fitted with its own 100mm vent, this will be operated by the light switch and should have a minimum 15 minute overrun. Windows are ok, but there is the risk of the wind blowing in the wrong direction and pushing air into the kitchen instead of drawing it outside. The door should open outwards if this is the only downstairs loo. This is a safety feature as d/s toilets should be disabled friendly, so if someone has an incident or fall in there they wont be trapped behind the door. I'm assuming as its an existing w.c. you've probably got most of this covered already.

I hadn't initially spotted the trunk, it looks quite slim and should hopefully work in that you can move around it plus it brings furniture into the middle of the room. In terms of the sofa my first choice would be green if you want a colour rather than a neutral and it looks as if you like that colour anyway! I think a chair could possibly work either to the left or right of the fire. It's hard when you have furniture in a room but cutting out paper templates of everything or using cardboard boxes always works. At least the tv isn't taking up room :) good luck in whatever you do, it really is a lovely room

Hi Sharon Laughlin, I would usually like to actually see the space and front window to be able to answer 100% ...but I can tell I have proposed this layout on several similar properties layout packages as it is a very good use of space and the times you use the space actually means it isn't too bad with 'on lookers' or lighting to have it this way round. Choosing the right window dressing can help with any concerns but having a great and usable space inside (where you live) is vital. I would be happy to take a quick look and offer an opinion (free of charge) if you wanted to email me your plan and a picture of the room (gina.everett@createperfect.co.uk). I know it seems like a head ache now.. but it will be worth the additional consideration time in the long run rather than just settling for something because it is the 'norm'. All the best, Gina