Bench or trunk will wind up being a place where clothes are thrown as well (if that's how you roll, that is). Since the space is deep (28") a bookcase might seem a bit odd. I'd consider an armoire, which would put any clothing tossed at it easily behind doors. But you might also make it simply a spot for some dramatic decorating "prop", depending on what the style of your room is. I'm thinking something like a beautiful screen, a dressmakers' form, a very large plant, a large urn filled with willow branches or the like. What's your style? Contemporary? Traditional? Romantic?

@Virgil - Great questions. I don't see us building a fancy deck, just something that matches the house (beach style with hip roof, hardy board siding). Where could I do some research on building materials? For option 1, I would imagine a deck like this one, [https://www.houzz.com/photos/32nd-street-craftsman-exterior-los-angeles-phvw-vp~209718[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/32nd-street-craftsman-exterior-los-angeles-phvw-vp~209718). For option 2, I would imagine a deck like this one, [https://www.houzz.com/photos/630-b-beach-style-exterior-san-diego-phvw-vp~90504781[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/630-b-beach-style-exterior-san-diego-phvw-vp~90504781). For option 3, I would imagine a no-deck-look like this one, [https://www.houzz.com/photos/incredibly-green-home-of-chevy-chase-craftsman-exterior-seattle-phvw-vp~360047[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/incredibly-green-home-of-chevy-chase-craftsman-exterior-seattle-phvw-vp~360047). @kudzu9 - I live in San Diego (yes, I know, expensive). I wish it was like asking, "How much does a new car cost?" because I could go online and figure that out in 10 minutes. And I'd know that I'd never have to pay more than the sticker price! @Sophie - Thankfully, you're not the CFO of my company. ;) $68k is a trip around the world with my family.

I think the bathroom needs serious work to make it a nice space . The floor and the tile do not work together , the whole space is huge for no reason, the cabinets are the only thing worth keeping. I would save my money to renovate that space for sure. As for bedroom color I usuallt start with the bedding , a feature wall works best when it is on a wall with no doors or windows. I think the window in your master is too small, the wall color and the carpet don’t work together so maybe post a pic of the bedding you love and I hope you are not going to bring all those pieces into your new bedroom from the spare one.Also your ide books are all over the place, seriuosly sit down before doing anything and figure what style you really like. These spaces could be fabulous but they will require money and a good designer,

I only have 2 small koi, some fancy split tail goldfish (my favorite), and a few plain goldfish. They were all tiny when I got them but have grown a ton. I kept all koi in the past, for 5yrs but then a raccoon broke in (Im in a heavily wooded/farm area) and got them so this time I decided to get cheaper fish lol. If you keep fish, especially koi, get a pump and a filter for your pond You could use lattice (wood or plastic/vinyl) for the sides of your 'zen room' that way you can hang orchids, bromeliads etc on the lattice. Ti plants do okay in shade.