The space looks a bit cold & clinical at the moment. Add sheer curtains to the window from ceiling to floor this wall Add some drama and also help to soften the look. I don't think the corrugated iron works use timber instead . A rug will better define the space perhaps with pops of colour like yellow , orange or red this will add some warmth. Prints on the wall , large pot plants side tables and floor lamps . In the billiard area it would look good to add a pendant lamp over the table you can buy ones specifically for billiard tables . More pops of colour also a couple of occasional chairs . You could also add more timber here to give more ambiance. Happy decorating .

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...

Well I know you want to be true to the house & reuse what you can but I would probably go with a more modern style like the stainless wire and timber top rail rather than dowels or timber for the infill. Be mindful of building code for the infill as horizontal is climbable and has to be very close together. There is so much upkeep in timber & if you go with the vertical metal rod look with the timber top plate maybe...? I am not an expert on any era or style though I know you will have a preference in mind & I would go with that. Look at the big picture of how your house will look with a change of paint (are you painting the house?) & for me it was about making the 25 year old house more contemporary. We love it!

Hi Mel, Kitchens are an integral part of any home and particularly a busy family, so much to consider. I personally think an Island clear of any sinks or utilities makes for a more workable space. It lends itself to food prep, kids homework, meals, guests perched on a bench whilst you prep. Sinks always accumulate mess so I think a sink put to the side works better. Gone are the days where you will stand at a sink hours at a time. Think about how you like to cook and use a kitchen a cooktop not far from the sink works best think straining pasta pots, vegies etc.. As for butler's pantry's I'm not a fan, why spend money on a lovely kitchen only to be cooped up in a small kitchen off to the side, very unsociable. Houses are made to be lived in and sometimes that comes with a little mess particularly in the kitchen. Don't hide away in a butlers pantry embrace your home and kitchen and all that it entails. I recently completed a kitchen with a similar colour scheme to what you are suggesting black, white and timber, I anchored the kitchen with the black Island and used white cabinets for the rest of the kitchen. Matt surfaces are on trend at the moment as opposed to gloss or semi gloss, matt finishes hide finger prints and children's hand marks better, dust will show up on darker surfaces so be mindful of this. I adore natural materials and feel that a timber floor really adds warmth. Take a look at the kitchen I recently designed for my clients, would love to hear your thoughts. Happy to assist you any way - Good luck with your renos. Thanks Collaborative Interiors