Forzaitalia thanks. Got a fuzzy feeling from that comment. Where are the emoticons, they were needed here! Houzz Team????? Yes I have an appointment with Hilary's for blinds for the window. StJamesdesign, hmmmm wooden floor, I might consider that. I'm scared what will become of the cream carpet but then I'll leave til it's grubby and if I have to change it, wooden floor is the first option. Ash thanks for that runner and dish idea. I will definitely add that ;)

From a practical point of view:- Obviously you can put what you like on top of the hearth, tile straight over tile on tile, but you'd need to make a surround as you'll see the edge. I'd make sure that your hearth tile isn't going to clash or look wishy washy against the white skirting and the marble of the actual fire surround. Also, as I see it's a working fireplace, if you go for something very light on the hearth, the grout will be filthy within days. You also couldn't go for a tile with a porous surface as this would lead to the tiles themselves also getting dirty. You'd either have to seal the surface of the whole hearth to make it cleanable, or go for a shiny surface tile & somehow seal the grout to keep the soot of it. Once on, never off. This is why hearth's are usually grey / black with grey grout. I'd keep the hearth as is, because it matches the fireplace and is a practical colour. With regards the tiles on the fireplace, they are inserted from the back of the fireplace in to a frame not visible from the front. The only option you have without taking the fire out is to tile on top of those tiles. You will then get the same problem with seeing the edges as you would if you tiled the hearth. You can buy thin 'pencil' edges to possible combat the problem such as these from B&Q Pencil Trim you just need to put your tiles in between them. It all depends on what the tile surface is like and where the originals butt up to the cast iron. Maybe you would be better off with fire retardant tile paint for the fireplace tiles.

You can buy all the missing bits on Ebay or in fact all over the web. I've done it several times when installing fireplaces, working or non-working. Just measure up your hole and find bits that fit in it. You just need the fire grate and the Ash pan cover - straight or curved, whichever you fancy.

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