Hi Deco Everything that I have collected part from the dining set which was an investment has been from garage sales. So I am quite happy to part with everything... I think the most expensive was $10.00. My problem is that I cant focus because you are right. I just have too much going on in different styles. Going with the style of the dining table - where do you think I should head with rug choices from everything I am reading - it says I should zone out the room?? I am staying away from leather couches and heading towards a cotton fabric. I really just want the space to be comfortable. Thanks for the tip about the ideabook. I've been collecting here and then, but mainly watching how people solve their dilemmas. I look but don't comment much.

@wayne For hydronics talk to Gary Flood at the Enter Shop. They are in Melbourne but he has installers everywhere. http://www.enter-shop.com.au/ Alternatively Alex at AJs Plumbing http://www.ajsplumbing.com.au/ We generally do in-slab hydronics but have also done it inside a rammed earth wall (at our office so feel free to come and look) and underneath a timber floor (several times including in our office). Insulation is critical. In a slab make sure you insulate the slab edge as well as the underside. When we talk of hydronics we generally use heat pumps to create the hot water (it's free to run if powered by PV). You mentioned wetback stoves (wood powered heating). In my view timber is only a viable option in rural settings. In (sub)urban settings the particulate pollution is a serious health issue and there is a fair chance that at some stage woodstoves will not be permitted by urban Councils. You finished by talking of ducted air conditioning. Regardless of the technology used to generate the heat/coolth, ducted systems are inherently inefficient and, in my view, should be avoided at all costs. The heat pumps can be great but the principle of pushing heated air around requires pump energy (you have to move large volumes of air). Almost all residential installations have flexiduct (not rigid as in commercial offices), the ductwork (aside from a study showing 80% of them did not meet the Australian Standard insulation code) due to its flexi-nature has lots and lots of curves and bends all of which increase the need for pump energy. This is why is it not possible to get a rated systems as you can with a split system; it is totally dependant on installation quality. You also need to be mindful of condensation issues in ductwork as heated air passes through relatively cold roof spaces, again quality of ductwork can be a big factor here.

I like the blue touches already in the room, which reflect the brickwork. Agree with lots of creams/ neutrals, just adding some blue in cushions, artwork. Maybe a bluish/cream rug, with a subtle pattern, not a solid color. Also I think the lights are a little lost. The high ceilings could take some quite large shades, maybe drums. And I agree that the central column could be painted to become the focal point as stated. Either white or quite a dark grey/ blue, ( it might darken up things too much, but it's only paint, can be changed). It might be sinful but I think I would replace it with plaster, then paint it. Finally maybe a dash of 60s burnt orange or mustard if you want to want to keep the retro theme.

As a parent, this story touched my heart. What a beautiful way to remember his soul and to start healing. Gardens breathe life into the home. I wish that the family finds their peace.