@ Hilda Tinkle...LOVE your room...mostly love the rugs and, in my view, those artworks are as if they were purpose commissioned ! "The whole" I am sure reflects your personality! Its been very interesting watching it all grow. As for replacing the lamp stand, personally, I really like that stand both for the room proportions and... for that friendly, substantial chunky lamp. I feel...and that's "feel"....that I'd want to put some sort of novel,decorative, low, longer, narrow, open construct couchside table/magazine/book 'depository'/drink putter-on (phew) at the side of the couch ...a proportionate space away from the side of the couch...something that has room for the lamp at the end to sit exactly where it does now under the yellow painting....Or, keep the lamp stand where it is and add a little bit of decorative yet functional whimsy at the couchside. It would need to be the perfect thing...I see a little nest of small decorative tables in my mind's eye...just feel you need to relieve the substantial solid feel with something that looks light and.... airy?....hard to describe, just a mind image. How about one larger cushion among the array of small ones? I've not seen your room for a while. I love what you've done..dignified, furnished in quality items and more to the point..themed ! Imagining myself relaxing in that room along with a friend or two....find myself wanting something tall that draws focus, maybe that accentuates the purpose of the room or calls attention to the theme...just a thought. I spent my early childhood in the Pacific and was surrounded by artifacts and furnishings that had the same "feel" as your room. I am really impressed by your attention to detail and how you've managed to assemble it all so it appears purpose made to go together, Congrats on ...substance ! Where did it all start...I've forgotten....with the rugs?

I love the option to work in a private office while still feeling connected to the larger open plan space. And who doesn't want a huge blackboard to creatively brainstorm?

The depends on the look you want to achieve. If you want an ultra modern look, then installing from the ceiling is the best way to go. If you want a more classic or traditional look then install the rod just below the cornice allowing enough room for the brackets/rod etc. 50mm below is good. That way you can opt for a decorative rod. I prefer s-fold from the ceiling than on a rod but it all looks great in the end either way. All the best with it. Here is some photos of some drapes we did with under cornice and on the ceiling.

Thank you everyone for your great comments. There were design ideas I had never thought of and really valued like the floating shelf, a mural and larger cushions and changing the colour of the lamp shade. Attached is the latest room version. I have moved paintings around. I do love this aboriginal painting, I am not sure if it is a little small but I'd really like it above the couch so perhaps another complimentary painting beside it? Or do you think it works ok? I think I can pretty much choose any colour from the painting for cushions and to brighten up the space - was thinking brighter and larger like suggested above by littlethommo2 and littlethommo2 . I still think I have balance/scale to work on - thank you Paul Di Stefano Design and littlethommo2 . I can move the cupboard at the end of the couch with the plant on it and place something taller here ? Any further ideas are really appreciated. Thank you all !