And to you, and to Chook too, of course. Sydney just has the best fireworks, doesn't it? Though I'm glad that Mr Dog and I don't live there. It'll be rough enough here. Row, I think you've done a great job. Yes, the roller blind may no longer live in that room. Thanks for sharing the other pics -- see, you were dreaming of pattern on walls before I came along.

As your house is a lovely grey I would consider plants which harmonise with that shade. So consider a range of grey leafed plants such as olive trees (these look great at night as the leaves have a silver backing), wattles, feijoa, euphorbia, lambs ears - an interesting textured ground cover, as is snow in summer. Then a striking deciduous coloured tree or large shrub such as a maple with red leaves, smoke bush, or crepe myrtle. There is no need to build a fence unless you really want significant privacy, shrubs do provide adequate separation. As the home is tall and quite imposing I would also plant three pencil pines neat the front of the building, these will soften the edges of the building and help it relate to the garden. Most grey leaved plants are very hardy. wind may prove more of an issue than sun or soil, I recommend that you look for plants at are labeled 'suitable for seaside locations'.

Haha, Jodie. If the container was full of jelly beans...it would be put to very good use! I did a quick search for lamps, so here are a few just to get you thinking. Probably a tallish one so two people can easily read in bed. Some of the lamps have shades that look like they might match the colour of the shades on your pendant light.

With grey and white to go with, you're right on trend (well, in NZ anyway). Keep those colours. With the furniture, cut the newell posts off the bed and square up the headboard and baseboard (or get rid of the baseboard altogether if you can. I did my headboard with a piece of MDF and covered it with a sheet. I'd do the same with the dresser - cut the newell posts off. Those things really date the furniture. Paint all the furniture either gloss white or black and change the handles to silver or brushed chrome. Just make sure that some where else in the room is the same silver/ brushed chrome. Maybe a photo frame of a couple of lamps? I think white.High gloss. Black or grey plain (no pattern) drapes as close as you can get to the wall colour. That way they disappear and don't become a feature (unless you got for very expensive and make them a show piece). I'd put the drapes behind some shimmer voile sheers that drape across the floor a little. Now you only have to choose accents and you'll have a different look any time. Pinks, blues, purples -whatever takes your fancy. Don't forget to add in a few different textures to soften things up a bit, ad see if you can pick up a 2nd hand cheap chandelier.I think I spent about $300 total from a nasty blue flocked wallpaper and apricot curtains, and a couple of other bits and pieces. Would love to see the finished product!!