Let's keep it nice, I don't think EthanWes is as precious as you may think and it is a forum for personal opinions after all. I also thought the comeback was unnecessarily aggressive & unwarranted. I would keep whatever you put there quite subtle and simple in colour so it doesn't draw the eye. You've got a nice retro/scandi feel from the look of it, see it as another way to carry this through?! So some ideas: - a small succulent in a low 1-2" pot, possibly including a trailing one such as Silver Falls (though don't let it get too out of hand!), will help make it look less compartmenty. Or even Ikea http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/40349079/ - a couple of neutral coloured cookbooks stacked horizontally. - a nice low serving dish in a soft grey - but make it one you will actually use, not just for aesthetics! ; D I have a similar one to this https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/kitchen-and-dining/serving/60209668/Tiro-Salad-Bowl.html https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/kitchen-and-dining/serving/60203911-9084/Tapas-Salad-Bowl.html and use it a lot. - or, if you like your tech, it could be a great place for a small wireless speaker. Expensive example, but something like the Bose Soundlink Mini If you're looking for more ideas, 'open shelving' should provide lots though you are constrained with the very low height of the shelves.

In any event, I think the upper half of brick cavity where logs are stored could be modified and used as a place to mount your TV. I'm thinking some sort of structure could be built into the cavity and the TV mounted to it. This would require the services of a qualified carpenter to ensure the entire structure is properly and securely anchored to the brickwork, and to ensure it can support the weight of the TV, especially if a pivot mount is used. Barring this idea, is there adequate space in the opening between fam rm and kitchen/dining area which could accommodate a purpose-built unit for your TV? In other words, built directly to the right of the brickwork?

The ‘fringe flower’ is fab,mine is about 1metre x 1metre and the flowers are beautiful, Same with the ‘emerald lustre ‘ I trim mine lightly and this keeps them looking great, would look wonderful amongst the trees you are thinking of planting.

As you guessed , I just express my opinion . Some agree , some don't . Some houses which I have sold 20 years ago are still in the same decor , other people may not have purchased . I prefer a planned colour pallette and something that has a Wow , and I definitely won't have the same colour walls and ceilings all through a property . Some fast food restaurants do have the same colour all the way through , but even they tend to have white ceilings or similar . I do have a ( small ) stainless deep fryer that does great chips though ! As far as texture goes , I 100% guarantee I would have more texture than this house , to use the obvious comparison . That is why , if you go back up to my original post , I suggested a feature wall of wallpaper , and a painting -- texture and colour . I don't like grey or beige as primary colours , and in fact don't consider them pastels either , but thats pointless arguing semantics . I wouldn't have that combo , the OP would -- good on her . If houzz only had people that agree , it may be very boring .