Since this room totally clashes with anything resembling the Hamptone, I would be updating the whole room. Yet to answer your question and if I were on a budget I would be gathering lots of hardwood timber off cuts ranging from 50mm to 100mm to create a timber cladded wall by liquid nailing onto plywood or mdf panels. Or you could clad using old hardwood fence palings in landscape. Mortar less stacker stone (sandstone) tiles always are a classic choice. If you have the internal space it would be lovely to heighten the fireplace and add a stone platform to sit on. Loose the print, curtains and matching bench fabrics and replace with indigo blues, whites and stone colours I'd personally replace the curtains with white shutters as they are easier to maintain, insulate the windows and never date. Happy decorating, hope this helps. Suzy

I agree with you ,the painting is not the best choice. Maybe get one with some nautical theme ( waves, beach or sea shells). You can just get a poster and frame it in light color frame. The coffee table you can just sand with a fine grit sandpaper to expose original timber and put some clear warnish to finish like the coffee table in the photo. Cushions is easy just get something like in your sample photo, go to spotlight or Target, if you make mistake it's easy to return. Last thing get rid of clutter that is seen in the background . I think couch is fine ,looks comfy.

I would suggest a stone hearth matching the plain stone trim but not as wide as the whole unit to reduce tripping hazard. Possibly with a black trim edge. Then a mantle shelf. the same stone would be great but probably too heavy. I think a 'live edge' timber mantle would be great and introduce an organic edge to the straight lines and angles. then paint the flat surface a neutral colour as others have suggested. display something with white/cream tones (candles?) and something with an accent colour on the mantle. if mantle too pricey a big artwork a little wider than the fireplace itself with some black in it or a black background chinese screen or similar. I have no commercial affiliation with them (just like their work) and don't know where you are based but Time 4 Timber Brookvale NSW could probably help you with a live edge shelf/mantle. good luck!

"Top end" has many different meanings depending on where you are! Many "top-end" items are imported from Europe on order and can take 10 to 12 weeks for delivery. They also cost big dollars. I know of one well-known project home builder who used to double the standard price of a display home by displaying all of their idea of "top-end" finishes. So a $400K display home would have had another $400k of "optional" extras displayed including higher ceilings, bi-fold doors, external water features, outdoor kitchens, granite benchtops, decorative feature wall paper, built-in home theatre speakers, and fancy cabinetwork everywhere, etc, etc. Unfortunately if your home is already at frame stage your options are limited, however your builder will love all of your variations as he can charge a premium and extend the contract. I would suggest you engage a professional to work out what is acheivable for your budget and with the timing of your build. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls