Yes the eastern states have been copping it. Snow etc, I am not a fan of cold. In the west has not been as bad, just a bit of a whinger when I think how cold you guys have had it, even Brisbane. I am waiting for those new solar panels with battery storage capacity (tesla) to come down in price in the next few years, before we retire I would like to have them in and paid for.

georgi02 "follow some simple guidelines, the ones that people frequently aren't told when buying wall gardens and you end up finding out the hard way" Plant walls are fashionable and seem ideal for small spaces but it would be good if the stores that sell the bits and pieces told people it's not just a trendy decor item, it needs some gardening expertise. mutcherson, is there any space between that deck and the fence? IMO the most successful low-maintenance gardening is the right choice of plant growing in the ground. As soon as you start messing around with unusual plants, unusual containers, unusual locations, you start having additional challenges. But I reckon if you want it's worth having another try with a wall using georgi02 's instructions. Succulents are easy to grow from cuttings and forgiving of lack of water. When you take cuttings of succulents you are supposed to put them aside for a while before potting them and I have found pieces I forgot I cut weeks earlier and managed to grow them. I have had some problems with succulents but that was because of frost so you you won't have that challenge.

The vertical blinds MUST go. Sorry, but they are hideous and add nothing. Get some fabulous mid century fabric pattern in some gorgeous colours and make curtains. You can make a couple of scatter cushions also out of this fabric. Then pick out your favourite colour from the fabric to add some plain cushions. If you have gone with the patterned rug option such as asquithoatley has suggested, then just pick out the gentler colour for plain curtains to compliment the rug. Either way then choose cushions using any, or all of these colours. Then you should look for some decorative items in these colours such as beautiful bottles that might pick up an aqua, or some lamps with bases that colour to put on a side board. For the wall I suggest that you look on ebay in mid century modern and see if any wall sculptures attract you. There was quite a fad for enamelled metal wall sculptures back in the 60s which would add some life. Try to find one that also incorporates one of the pattern colours. Susan_66 made a great suggestion with a Howard Arkley print of a mid century house. You might even find one that is similar to your house style which would be fun. Happy hunting. You have some good pieces and they will work well with a bit of fun fabric or rug to link them.

Thank you for your comments and your sympathies, it is a difficult room to work with. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel, behind the far wall is an enclosed garage which is used as a storage space and we are in the process of getting a shed built to move everything out of there and extend out, so the room will become more of a rectangle rather than a square and everything should fit into place nicely! We have tried different variations of furniture placement which did look nicer but weren't practical for the age of our kids, like Lego at our feet when sitting on the couch etc. I think we will leave the furniture as it is for now, however I love some of your ideas. Good point about the shag, that's gone, I will have a look for a low pile wool rug. choices flooring have some nice styles I like. I hadn't thought of incorporating a blue or terracotta toned rug, that could work well to better hide stains. I love the idea of artwork, what would you suggest, something abstract? Incorporating colours from the room or more a statement piece? I also love the idea of adding more circular elements and also a lamp to add height. Do you have any suggestions for either one? I'm also concerned the room is a bit impersonal, do you agree? Please keep the ideas coming.