Like you said, you obviously have a light issue in the room due to the addition of the corner ceiling light and the need for sheers. Maybe paint the ceiling white. Definitely replace sheers with white plantation shutters and add your beautiful chosen pendant lights over the table. As the table is long maybe you can have the light above the window (and if there is a third one further along) moved in to have them over the table. If the pendant is very large have only one or two and remove the extra light/s altogether. You could also possibly add two wall sconces to the wall opposite the windows depending on the overall room. If you physically can't electrically fit lights on the walls now consider battery candles in the glass flutes. This would give lovely mood lighting. Have the white plantation shutters with no additional curtains but have a very large striped rug either the same red as in your photo with creamy beige to blend with lighter wall; or a light blue and white/ creamy beige rug. The light blue stripe would give a relaxed sense to the room. You may need to have these rugs made up. On the table, change to a larger silver tray and look to improving its content holders to silver and glass, light blue china and one low wide rounded fresh flower vase in silver. For dinner, remove your tall vase of roses and replace with a couple of large glass fluted candle holders with silver base rims with pillar candles either side of the tray. Best wishes.

Hi Mel, I agree with siriuskey. It seems a shame that the table is pushed against the wall as it a) limits the seating and b) "feels" quite awkward and cramped. From looking at your floorplan, it would seem that you have the space to pull it out, to the position shown on plan? It would mean re-positioning your lights, but I think would look a lot better. The same goes for the lounge/seating area - I would consider re-positioning the 2 armchairs (one with it's back to kitchen, the other opposite with its back to outdoor area) and adding a sofa under the window. It would mean repositioning your sideboard though. Consider a light large rug to delineate the lounge area and to also bring some light and texture into the room. I'd also consider a rug under the dining table, as you have a lot of dark timber which is pulling light out of the room

Hello again, thank you for the input. I've taken it all on board. Regarding the island, we will be sticking with Knights Grey but if we choose a very dark floorboard, we will then switch to Timeless Grey (which happened to be one of the swatches I'd picked up anyway!) to avoid that sinking effect. Thanks for the tip. I won't be able to get back out this week to check the Dulux Raku colour, did I mention that I'm getting around with a 1 month old and 2 year old? They are totally dictating my schedule! Ann I'm not sure exactly how they get half strength. I just have the understanding that paint looks darker on a wall than it does on the sample card so to always opt for a lighter shade to counter that effect. So to avoid the Snowy Mountains colour looking too dark, I will go for a half strength. Worst case, I figure, is that it will just be a touch lighter than what I'd expected. There wasn't consistency between the three separate Snowy Mountains cards that I ended up with so I guess it's to be expected anyway. Thanks for sharing your experience Antonia, it's good to know it works. Today I went out to Beaumont Tiles to try and find a tile like the one I attached to my original post. This was surprisingly difficult to match and I've borrowed a sample of the closest match from the store to mull it over. The colour seems to work quite well against all my samples but I'm worried about the wavy edge and how it will appear on the wall when grouted. On the one hand I'm worried it will look too busy or untidy, on the other hand I think it could be a winner because it could add some depth or interest to an otherwise boring subway tile splash back. I've attached the tile against my samples and also Tranquil Retreat (half strength) wall with Vivid White trim. Please tell me what you think :)

The black & gold bedlinen doesn't work with the bluish based bedhead and carpet, however I think most of your elements are perfectly fine. It's also all looking a bit too dark for my liking. For about $50... A white bedspread will look fresh, even an inexpensive waffle style from Target/Kmart, a couple of lighter cushions will make a huge difference. And a nice plant in the corner, even from a hanging basket with a silver falls plant will add interest. https://www.target.com.au/p/waffle-quilt-cover-set-white/60111432?utm_term=60111432&utm_content=waffle-quilt-cover-set-white&utm_source=google&utm_medium=merchant-site&utm_campaign=merchant-site&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6J7YBRC4ARIsAJMXXsdtkyi1Ci6JTh0IjgG8v9Qy2hD6W0rX52bhb0qIYMgmIMhjj0t718UaArMbEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CK-u7LSaodsCFVCSvQodBwMC3Q $20-30 A couple of these cushions from Big W have a nice textural faux jute trim to add earthy tone. - $10 each A throw like this one in a light grey (tonal to your bedhead) Big W $10 If indoor plants are too challenging, then something like this $7 Then I think it's nice to add a couple of personal touches - an interesting coffee table book or new magazine on the bedside table, and - especially if it's relatives coming to stay, some nice framed photos on your walls of your family/children and relatives together. Big W $12, Kmart have plain ones for even cheaper