Sounds like your daughter's already got some interior designer instincts ;) Loving the black feature wall, and you don't want to take anything away from such a strong statement, so I think you should go with white... or at least a very light grey, e.g. Dulux Lexicon quarter (on the left)...

We had a table with benches (like pews rather than a straight bench) when I was growing up for a family of five with often visitors and in a small dining area (but with walls on three sides). It worked well and I have fond memories of being squished up with my brothers (and creating havoc) or grandparents. If you push it against the wall until meal times, that might help with the baby gate access? This way you can still sit at it casually on the out side and just pull it out when you need...just a suggestion :)

I would look at a linen look same as wall, Ikea could have just what you want I think your curtain rod most likely expands as well so would look to widen the rod and then if the curtain allows hang it higher. You might need to move the family photos then perhaps across to where the print is and remember, eye height, I like your timber cabinet, white could look too stark without changing others things, try the curtains first and see what you think. cheers.

We have a large living room, with a lot of feature brick walls, which we have no plans to paint over, so seeking a floor covering that will lighten the room. We also have a pet dog and grand children so want something durable. All our furniture is marri wood and the walls that are painted are light ivory. We like the ivory and natural tones. Our colour point is green. What do you recommend