I can see some large fluffy Folaki (sp?) style rugs in here. They come in room-size large rectanges as well as the more common little ones you can get at IKEA. Add a bit of glam with some mercury glass candlesticks, some art, maybe a sculptural piece or even a tapestry, and a teak bench, and it will be fantastic. I would go for just a few really bold and big pieces, mostly white and chrome. I would hold off on painting until you add a rug and some accessories. I like the contrast and it won't looks so stark when more stuff is added. I hope you have plenty of towel racks on the wall we can't see! Nice thick white ones would work with the rest.

Carpet. Ugly, grey, literally-threadbare carpet. It is something we intend to get rid of, but carpet here isn't easy, in choice or available installers. But we'll go again with it, with something industrial-strength like we had at a previous house, a warm, dark brown most likely, to deal with the dogs and the dirt and the everything else that still manages to get inside past the mudroom.

Eric, is it the red colour you don't particularly like? Which timbers do you like most? Have you seen spotted gum? I mention it because the colour tones in spotted gum vary and it might possibly be worth consideration. I realise many consider having the same timber flooring throughout the house as ideal; however, as your bedrooms have doors, I believe it would be perfectly acceptable to have a different timber flooring in them (be consistent here though). If this were my Dilemna, I would match the timber width to the width of your red gum flooring, and use a top-notch installer, someone with whom you can discuss the best way to lay the planks given your other flooring.

Julie I love that tan lounge. The only reason I’m thinking of changing my sofa is because we are thinking of putting a mirror tv where the mirror is and starting to use it as a nice family room. The current sofa isn’t that comfortable. So a new sofa is on the cards! Now you know I want to start with a blank canvas do you think I should introduce the tan leather or get a fabric grey sofa instead? And does the sofa colour affect the final colour of dining chairs?? Thanks so much for your advice!!