Hi jdublya, happy new year and sorry about the late reply! I ended up doing the safe / lazy thing... left the floor untouched and painted a feature wall deep grey, as well as having two-toned grey curtains to both the sliding doors, and a dark grey area rug. The open plan living / dining gets lots of light, so it's still bright even with all the dark greys. We've paired it with mismatched sofas in light grey and brown, and sage green throws. Overall, it's still a "warm" look and not the cool Scandi look I would have preferred, but it's cozy and the greys have really calmed down the red. It's a lot more to my taste now than the show room furniture was. Bits of the floor finish are coming off though, I think (where the kitchen island stools have been dragged over the years by the past occupant), so in time I will get the opportunity to re-do the floor and it'll no longer be red!

The simple whites are what I like, the lounge welcomes you to get comfortable and spend time and lose all the distractions, giving you a chance to refresh and refocus. The TV art on the wall is the highlight and draws your attention, and hides its personalities. Is it a TV at all?, Overall I chose number 9 for its simplicity and comforting feel with no clutter and with one piece to comfort the body and one piece to stimulate the mind.

Hi AndrewJason, I love cavity sliders. they are there when you want them but not visible when you need the space open. Having said that they cost more, take a bit of wreckage to set up and in you WA case you will be wrecking brick walls to put them in which might be a stretch of mess too far. BUT you will need to weigh up if they are worth it in the end. I do not think the build will be too bulky in the kitchen/dining because it will be superbly practical on both sides and it maybe just a matter of what you are used to. Not sure about "Average Joe...…" we are all good at somethings, mine is plans, function, practicality, solar. Yours might be brain surgery, empathy for unwell folks, kinda or you make the best seafood lasagne in the world... we are all needed to make for a great world: and it really is that!!! Good luck with your splendid home: I think it is beautiful. And PS if you do make the best seafood anything I better have your address....!!!!!!! MK

Hi, use the cat as inspiration because its colours are beautiful - (a black white and tan rug would add a little wow) and its hair will blend in too. Next just add in small touches of a green you like and more of the base colours in rugs, throws, cushions etc. As for furniture if you follow decor trends it is now the thing to NOT have matching furniture sets in the bedroom but the trick is to link everything through colour. I suggest a picture rest shelf (Bunnings) running along the back wall above the bed at eye level. Pictures (and a mirror) and bits and bobs are then on one level, look intentionally placed, keep things tidy and out of reach of little hands and you can mix and swap as seasons and events change. Plants yes, they give colour and life, then a bit of wicker/rattan or other texture in plant bases, a chair or foot stools at the end of the bed. Some nice green glass vases or candle holders etc. etc. Easy changes that allow you to save for when you want to do your big reno. I would spend your big money getting rid of the strip lighting above the bed and adding nice floaty sheer curtains.