Thanks for the great thoughts asquithoatley and Damien. I especially like the suggestions that I add a bit of colour and texture with cushions and lamps. I really favour a natural and organic palette, but having largely achieved that, the room just didn't seem to 'pop' in quite the way I'd hoped. Asquithoatley - are you able to give me a source for the red lamp? I really like it. It is funny you mention knitted pillows, as I just took up knitting for the first time in years and I did some for upstairs. They look really good. Maybe I'll get the knitting needles out again! And I'll start looking around at coffee tables. I think you are right. Thanks again to both of you. Isn't this site fantastic?

Why not use some of her art work on the walls, in different size and style frames (natural, black, white & silver) - you can pick up some cheap frames in the op shop and the bargain stores - just buy some spray paint, and have fun - let your artist help....... you can even photograph some of her art work and have it blown up to poster size - the brighter the better. I'd suggest painting the walls white, with maybe a feature wall a timber bed head - one with a book shelf would be great - a double of course - the room is big enough. A rug to anchor the bed and some funky cushions. An Eames DSW white retro chair and a small white desk with some floating white shelves for odds and ends.... I'd probably get a white roller blind for the window, and paint the door, wardrobe doors and skirtings white, and a lovely large retro style light fitting in the middle of the room, or a hanging pendant next to the bed. A small bedside table - try Ikea - they have a great range, and not too expensive, you may even be able to get a great bedhead there - she sounds a very practical girl, so no frills. You want a young, fresh, modern look. Place the artwork randomly, in groups, on the walls - hang paper cut outs on the walls with blue tack, to see the effect, before you put up the art - Your artist could help with that too. What's her favourite colour??? Does she have any hobbies?? We need photos and more info.... What a lovely step dad you are!!! Good luck. I hope I've helped...

Just Beautiful! We are about to undergo a renovation, including kitchen and I think I have the exact same pine kitchen as you and orange hoop pine floor boards. I was wanting to stain the floor boards too but was unsure. Your kitchen style is very similar to what I had in mind (white shaker cabinets, butler sink, subway tile splash back and I even currently have the same fridge as you) and I'm excited because now I can show my husband the transformation including the stained floor. Are you able to give any details e.g. colour of stain for floor/ floor treatment, where you bought your sink, and island bench dimensions please. Many thanks!!

So many ways of approaching these projects, but also yes you will be somewhat constrained by the limitations/issues/impacts resulting from going up. I always try and absolutely maximise the opportunity in these small space scenarios. I did a very similar project in Collingwood a few years ago, on a smaller block, one boundary dimension was under 4m (!), and we managed to achieve 3 and 1/2 bedrooms (one being a study/mezzanine/guest) so maximising options/function and ultimately value. the key to it is not wasting a single square inch and it comes down to deftly managing the planning, understanding exactly how you want use the spaces, maximising zoning and minimising any wasted "passage only" planning. I'd be getting the kitchen set-up exploiting the length rather than say approaching it from the back and squeezing it's proportion - plenty of planning tricks possible here.........also without understanding your particular preferences as suggested above you may want to consider consider the laundry/pantry combo as it can work well, but some of those things are ultimately personal....I could go on and on with planning suggestions for certain details but knowing these projects there's a fair bit involved here in order to achieve a comprehensively considered front to back, internal/external solution/resolution....... to best protect and maximise your investment (which for this will be significant, whatever particular version/option/layout) my advice is to seek professional design advice/process. It's (presumably inner) Melbourne, most likely a heritage scenario and ultimately it will involve a delicate balance between your budget, your particular requirements/priorities and negotiating the natural constraints involved here (physical/council/code).....and with full respect to the general concept you've presented (in my opinion) this one involves proper assessment of your conditions and clarification of/working through your particular goals before getting into fine detail resolution (which is resolved appropriately in due course) first things first, what is your budget and what are you specific (prioritised) requirements......that's the critical and fundamental information......I always endeavour to comprehensively understand how a client wishes to live (and also the particular context) and practically the budget limitation before providing specific/accurate advice one way or another.......These are exciting projects and it's a great opportunity for you (& assume family?!) - best of luck with it!! Hope this helps in getting your thinking focused appropriately at this critical early stage :)