Oh yeah. I have the masks, everything has plastic sheeting underneath. I really have to wait for days that aren't too breezy, because of the paint coming off, plus the heat gun loses effectiveness when getting pummeled with wind. Unfortunately, calm days make for a pretty hot job for my end. The things we endure to make things right... haha After everything gets primed, then I need to work on a paint scheme. Might take another season to really get it all done.

Sue, congratulations. You've not only identified a colour you feel happier about, you've actually created it. I suspect you'll now be able to create a pleasing mix of warm greys, plywood browns, stone tones, coppers or bronzes, warm whites, etc; maybe with a bit of yellow added come spring; and you'll be able to live with the brownish sofa until you're ready to update or reupholster. I have some KAS cushion covers from a couple of years ago which show how this kind of colour mix can be done. One has stylised flowers (a la Mexican) in grey, brown and caramel with a touch of burnt orange. (You mention liking ochre.). Another is lighter grey, brown, taupe and bone-white on a natural linen. A third (less subtle) is warm greens with brown, taupe, yellow, white and a little aqua. I'm not saying go for styles that are a few years out of fashion. But do be confident enough to resist a harsh, hard-edged option if a gentler one is right for your temperament and household and the room's aspect. Robyn

Thanks so much for your input everyone. Those who had a look at my idea books, unfortunately they are super outdated and a couple of years old. SInce then we have moved and our style has slightly changed. I do think the majority are right in that a coffee table would be too crowded- Vy the tv unit supports the tv as it is not wall mounted. We mounted it but it looked so out of place that we reverted back to the tv unit. I think i will search for a nice side table to place in between the two recliners and leave the space in the middle. The trunk doesnt look great in the middle as its quite a bit higher than the chairs unfortunately! Thanks again for all your input!

the plants on the back fence will give good impact once grown. The rug is more of a pain. This would be a cleaners nightmare. Gives the area impact but not a suitable design choice near a pool. The mirror looks good but near a bbq you are always going to have to wipe the grease from off the mirror. The plant will also have to be removed once you start cooking. The chair is to close to the bbq and the fridge. So this would have to be moved to be able to work in this area or open the bar fridge fully. I do not mine any of the furniture but not a suitable out come for the area where the design seems not to be workable. Vision is important but design area must also be hassle free.