Hi Blufitch, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The four coffee tables are lovely, but I would probably opt for one of the two top ones. That being said, check the measurements first as these round tables might be significantly larger than your existing Ikea table. Re the potted plant, a taller one would be better, or you can put this one on a plant stand or even on a ceramic stool. But if you feel a mirror would be too much due to your mirrored splashback, leave the plant as it is and hang a framed print above the plant. It doesn't need to be big, but it's important that it s not too small so it doesn't look too "lost" on the wall. It's hard for me to judge the size from here, but a 70x40 frame might be ok. You could have only the yellow canvas above the couch, but you would have to bring in a few more brightly-coloured cushions or throw onto the couch, to compensate for the empty wall. Alternatively, you could also hang a large mirror above the couch. If you decide to do this, I think it would be best to move the canvas back to where it was, and hang the mirror in front of the window, so it reflects the natural light around and gives more depth to the room. The large Ikea Stave mirror (in white stained oak) is very reasonably priced and would work great. Just double check it fits first (it's 70x160)! Tell us how yo go! All the best, Nelly / Twinkle and Whistle

Hi Katrina, I really love the horizontal wood panelling I think it's a great feature and from the look of it dark beams with upstairs floor timber on show. If this was my room I would likely make a feature of the wall panels and work around that. I find that because of all the dark, heavy timber the panelling is getting a bit lost (I lived in a house like this in Eltham many years ago and at the time loved it...but it's a bit dated these days) As I can't make out the layout of the room my suggestions are based solely on the picture you have provided. My first suggestion is to sand the beams back to their natural wood because I feel that the darkness of the beams is competing too heavily with the timber of the rest of the room. I'm thinking something like this: https://au.pinterest.com/pin/520588038153372539/ I would then find a cabinet maker to change the cd shelves and open shelves underneath to match the cupboards already in place and put in a continuous benchtop along the top of the cupboards. I would then extend the top shelf to match the other two long shelves and replace the baseboard so it is continuous. I would then ask the cabinetmaker to make more streamlined cupboard doors as I find the vertical lines in the current doors detract from the wall panelling. https://au.pinterest.com/pin/353814114454459992/ or if your cabinetmaker has some clever friends maybe something like this: https://au.pinterest.com/pin/518265869604062708/ I would also remove the light fitting poking out of the left of the picture. I don't know what colour carpet you intend to have laid so it is difficult to suggest a colour palette however I am a huge fan of charcoal and timber: https://au.pinterest.com/pin/406168460122166906/ I would paint the back wall only in charcoal much like the colour above to give a sense of depth. All books would be on the shelves. I'm sorry to say that the ducks would sadly have to be ditched. The bench would be used to hold that gorgeous clock and some of those special pictures that you have on show. Good luck, I hope I have been helpful :D

I honestly can't beat the suggestions that have been given above, but yes, de-clutter the desk area (clock, wastepaper bin), find a large print to go above the desk (this will draw the eye first), replace the desk chair with a nice upholstered chair that fits better in a lounge room something like the upholstered dining chairs that are popular at the moment http://www.westelm.com.au/mid-century-upholstered-dining-chair-velvet-h2338 (if budget is tight, even Kmart have similar?). Finally, I do think the warm earthy tones of the walls/carpet/curtains are jarring slightly with the cool white & aqua tones of your furniture. Possibly repaint the walls, ditch the cream curtains? The carpet you probably will want to leave, but I think these other colour changes would probably make enough of a difference. But that outdoor area is so lovely, I would try to bring that in, with a few indoor plants in the corner, plus mirroring some outside. Then also potentially a mirror on one of the adjacent walls will bring in light and reflect the outdoor view into the room. I wouldn't stress too much, it's a great room and settling in, tweaking and 'nesting' takes time!

Hi Ange, Megan from online art gallery, Bluethumb, here. I'm loving the mix of industrial and bohemian pieces you have! I believe that a statement artwork above the dining room table would look great, especially one that balances the two interior styles you have working for you. Here's one by a Bluethumb feature artist I think would perfectly fit with the different aspects of the room, as well as the warm colour palette. https://bluethumb.com.au/brewman/Artwork/summer-landscape-ron-brown The piece is called Summer Landscape by Melbourne artist, Ron Brown. I've mocked it up in situ for you, so you can really visualise it in the space. It measures 120cm by 90cm, so should fit nicely on the wall. I have some alternative ideas for you, also from our feature artists, if that one doesn't appeal: https://bluethumb.com.au/george-hall/Artwork/silent-heat-135-x-90cm-acrylic-painting-on-canvas https://bluethumb.com.au/suebannisterartist/Artwork/the-honey-comb-effect https://bluethumb.com.au/haruyomorita/Artwork/Soul-Portrait-2015-1 https://bluethumb.com.au/bradley-kickett/Artwork/bandee-lakes https://bluethumb.com.au/dinah-wakefield/Artwork/last-light-dinah-wakefield Let me know if you'd like any of these works mocked up! Some ideas for styling would be to keep the space feeling fresh with some plants, perhaps some succulents or native flowers on the dining room table. This would fit perfectly with the trees in Ron Brown's piece! Hope this helps! Megan