Sounds like a plan, Tino. I really like that umbrella picture, and am looking forward to seeing where you put it. I also really like that red lamp. Just off the top of my head I don't think that its too much red, since your rug only has the slim red circle, and the couch has the red throw adding color. However, since you are the one there in the space you are the only one who can judge whether it too much color, or not. I'm glad that you think my ideas have been helpful-and, of course, I have a lot of company out here with a lot of good ideas, and design experience in a lot of cases.

Lauren, I would echo the above regarding questioning whether an extension is really necessary. You need to be conscious of making the property too bottom-heavy. If it is possible to extend into the loft, and increase the number of bedrooms perhaps this isn't an issue. Using the existing floorpan, I would perhaps suggest locating the kitchen along the majority of the left hand side with a bank of tall units (accommodating fridge, freezer & ovens). The storage beneath the stairs could then become a pantry/larder. A generous island could accommodate sink, hob and prep areas, and a breakfast bar would make this an incredibly sociable space. I would also support the idea of a downstairs WC, and possibly also a utility space in the central space around the current store. The existing kitchen could become the dining space, but here I would suggest maximising natural light by replacing doors with floor-to-ceiling glazing, either as doors or fixed windows. Budget allowing, I would suggest minimising the masonry on the corner to maximise visibility to the garden; corner-to-corner glazing would be perfect. Regards, Simon

Hi, the only thing I would say is put the fire on and see how hot it gets. We have a gas inserted fire, a little bit like yours but it really belts out the heat. We had an oak mirror on the wall above it and it got so hot we were really concerned that it would burn! We didn't want a full mantel piece so we bought an oak "shelf" to absorb the heat, then put the mirror above that. Now I am not worried about the mirror. I still have to switch the fire off after a couple of hours as the wood "shelf" gets really hot, but I am not worried that anything of value will get damaged. If the shelf gets a bit black (it hasn't so far) I won't mind. I definitely would not put a TV over a fire for all the above reasons. Hope that helps a little.

What did everyone do re aircon or blinds? We were considering renting our house out at some point but it gets hot in summer which is not an issue for living here as you can open the doors slightly and it cools straight away but for guests - it's not that easy. Thinking of blackout blinds for sleeping but are there sheer ones which keep the light but reflect the heat?? Also aircon - anything not big and ugly that would work in a large open plan room?