Hello Tom, Well I have been given a fair few really beautiful pressies over the years...One I fondly miss and used it till it fell apart in my 30's! Japanese school satchel for my 12th birthday.. It was black lacquer leather... Purple reflectors underneath for when you're leaning over your bike cycling.. and a hook for ones gym shoes.. On the reverse it had cream padded leather for your back... It was really beautiful! It was the boys traditional colour as red or navy for girls.. Loved the black and would have been my choice! Everyone loved it.... It was sooo different.. My best friend used to carry it round at lunch and tell everyone her Uncle bought it for her... (of course that was my Uncle) It was truly magnificent.. Came in handy too when.. you know the types.. Bully girls.. with nothing upstairs!! Jealous and stupid types whispering about people behind the scenes, nasty girls!! .. She followed me, tried to pull my hair, call me names, kicking and scratching like a hissy fit.. so she got a cool swing of said bag (full of books) Fell over in a puddle to a laughing crowd- I wasn't laughing!.. BUT.. never came near me again! The satchel though and I were as happy as anything.. It was probably the best satchel in the world! : ))

How progress with your study going? I meant to mention we have a blog that may be interesting to you as you are doing your study. Here's a link to the blog. Lighting Company Blog And here's a link tobrass and antique brass table lights. It is sad to see brands go. I too remember BHS fondly but you'll find that we do offer affordable lighting and we have nice people here, real people you can talk to if you want some help. Email us sales@lightingcompany.co.uk or call 01643707505 we are happy to help. Best Regards Lighting Company

Wow, thankyou so much everyone for all your very helpful comments! Its given me lots of ideas and things to think about - will look into getting some colourful blinds, and am now thinking about getting that left wall painted another colour - Im thinking maybe a navy or teal....Also thinking of getting rid of the table and replacing it with a welsh dresser, again painted a different colour. Oh, yes, will replace the clock with a glass splashback (am even wondering about clear glass over a wall decal???) Oh, and the extractor fan...yeah, Ive had one before and never switched it on. So i didnt bother this time. Open windows work for me, beehives notwithstanding ;-)

Hi DP, How are you getting on? I know it's been a while but wanted to add some notes on your points. I think the architect plans, whilst lovely, definitely take from the original character of the house and this looks like any other new build you can see with a google search. 1. I would definitely look whether board as I think this is a nice contrast to the lovely old brick and whilst showing it is 'the new part' it doesn't detract from the older areas. It is also easy to 'blend in' to the surroundings so not as to detract from the gorgeous grounds and greenery. 2. Great. It will be safer overall. Is this a feature you think you will miss? 3. Firstly, yes! I don't think you can have this house without one. I have used the corner ones before and they are great and save on keeping the breast. I think you just need to look aesthetically if this works with your overall style of the rooms. If you are having an interior designer they should work on it with you - if not, a good look through Pinterest and a board or two would help. I can take a look with you if you like. 4. Yes. I would say that is a great place for the WC. It is easily accessed from everywhere but far enough away from the kitchen and dining room to not be an issue when entertaining and so on. If I were space planning it I may change the size/layout of the WC slightly to give you a slightly more open hallway. 5. The boot room looks spacious and like a good entrance. Is this an issue for use with guests? The location is not right. If so I think it would be a case of changing the layout completely to get the front boot-room.. did you architect do you a few options or have you consulted a space planner to look at some options for you. We normally produce three option as a standard so you can see what is possible. 6.Again, when we are planning space this is what we look at to determine where windows can be to allow maximum light whilst not compromising how you use the space or the items needed within it. I may play around with the back set of doors/windows in the open-plan space ..and the living room but the rest look OK. It really depends on your overall style here (i.e country is much more furniture than contemporary styles and contemporary maybe more fitted whereas more traditional styles would be freestanding. Same goes for the style of windows.. I am not sure this fits with your aesthetic or the house as a character. 7. Do you mean the roof or the extension? I would always recommend seeing the items together to help you visualise both for texture and colouration. Maybe try ordering some samples of the different finishes (if you haven't already). 3D visuals may also help here - if you have a designer it's worth enquiring about (or if your architect does them) - my clients find the photo-realistic imagery helps much more that the 2D flat plans. I hope it's all going well. Best of luck - Gina