Hi catbox/emerald18 - your kitchen is absolutely stunning - I love it - mostly because your style is the same as mine - only the tiles I've chosen are Henley Cool from Topps Tiles (sage green/blue). I've also had a few moments of indecision but I've had a picture and sample of the tiles pinned up for months and I still love them. I'd chosen matt slab style kitchen door fronts but I might be convinced by your photo to change to Shaker. I am also going for the wood worktop but can't decide whether to have a Belfast sink or not. What sink did you choose? I also can't decide on a splashback, but like white painted brick + something more cleanable by the sink and hob. Once again, I love love love your kitchen - I'm pinning the photo of it up with my tiles picture in case I get future wobbles about my dream kitchen

I've had a look at free offerings for floor planning software. It depends on the level you want to go to. Sweethome3D http://www.sweethome3d.com/ is truly free because it's open source (no fees if you want to draw more than one plan etc). I've found I can get reasonably detailed with it from layout perspective but I doubt it would be good enough for a drawings for a building permit (although I'm not certain of this). As a graphic designer you'll have an affinity for graphics software. If you want to be able to draw more detailed drawings Id take the time to learn Sketchup. I know some architects use this as their software of choice. I'm definitely with you @Jason Carter - the only way to really control your budget is to plan ahead and choose and price everything that you can think of before you break ground. Otherwise you're in a situation where you have to make quick compromises during the build which leads to mistakes etc. In my work we use requirements tracking tools. I think it would be really helpful to communicate to the contractors exactly what is going to go on in the room - why the extra outlets are there and in the position they're in. That way they have a deeper understanding of why the specs are the way they are and they don't make decisions that detract from the design - they might even come up with suggestions that support the ideas behind the designs.

Where are you based? Would like to work on this project with you. Jade x

Hello Houzz Ireland, We are currently renovating a 1960's build - so as you know, there is a lot of decisions to be made!! So it would be nice to get some gems of advice from the experts to help us through this daunting task. Areas where we would really like some inspiration for - small bathroom downstairs. I would really like to do something fun with this room and although small, I think it could work really well with some funky wallpaper or possibly tiles?! I'm just not sure what to do with it. Also - pulling a whole house together?! Where do we start? We have the bigger pieces of furniture but how do I know what nest of tables goes best with a suite? Or what accessories will bring a room together? I'm due a second baby in 2 weeks time so any help at this stage would be so amazing - to guide me on the right interior design path for our new house. Thanks, Laurie