@Grutt - I was lucky to be online the last night of submissions for the Living event. A player told everyone in chat that you could get a free house upgrade by participating in the contest. I jumped at the opportunity and that's how I got the two-story house. My understanding (forums and zone chat) is that these houses will be available in game, as well as other layouts at some point but no idea when.

I think the house had 12 slots but since I'm at work I can't check. I upgraded to 25 or so but that's not necessary. I wanted fluff items around the place too - plants, globes, candles, etc. Having had a house in EQ2 I couldn't stick to just the necessities and be happy with it visually. :-) i did calculations and the house configured the way it is now costs me roughly $15.00 per month (energy/diamonds).

I have two copies of each station to provide double bonuses. They are hidden for aesthetic reasons but still provide the bonuses. Once I have my skills maxed I will remove the hidden duplicates and the cost of the house will drop to roughly $9.00 per month.

For me, I'm still ahead on costs. There was no box price for the game and no subscription fee. If at any time I stop playing for an extended period, I can store the house items in the bank which will remove all costs. If I join a guild the same thing applies if there are guild crafting stations. Best thing about the setup up is that you can at any time for any reason revert to a free-2-play situation by banking your items. :-) These choices are strategic and within your control. Those books are rubbish. Don't waste another diamond on one unless they get fixed/buffed.