Thanks for all the feedback. I think I'm going to shove the expense and go for full shelves as I will be renting. Cut costs by using mdf sadly alot of messes happen coz I can't be there and have no van to buy materials myself. My wardrobe doors turned out messed up as had a circular route instead of straight lines so they're new but dated. I can't afford it but I'll definitely put up a few eccentric ideas on how to hide it and will look forward to the feedback from that! Thanks

DO NOT USE DRUNK TANK PINK FOR A ROOM! Sorry, Groveraxle, but further down in the site you linked to it said, "Prisoners did respond and calmed down, as hoped, initially. Major goof: If they hung around too long, they became even more violent." Some police depts. have a pink room, but are cautioned not to let anyone remain in it more than 1 hour. It's called the rebound effect. I read about this while working for a state police agency.

What direction is it facing? that will have a huge bearing on the layout. I also would question the large Living area in addition to the family room. 1700 is perfectly adequate for a bathroom but another 100mm in width would be better.

Gosh, I've returned after a week travelling for work to loads more suggestions - thanks all! To respond specifically: - the house faces south so gets the lovely morning (and in the uk, sometimes the only) sun. - the husband has avoided putting plants in the planters due to maintenance and they're generally twee so comments here have confirmed to me that they will be coming out - love the idea of wooden boxes with the spiky plants and grasses - also like the concept of taking out the grass/bed/tree in front completely out and replacing with slabs - yes to lightening the windows - to the Barn company, I honestly don't mind the advice and I'd never seen sloping garage roofs. - nicking ideas from landscaping of new builds....great idea! - finally, Helen Scholes, I'm embarrassed about the spelling of kerb. Had no idea! Thanks again all.