I agree with bringing the chairs in from the corners just a bit -- it will make the room seem larger; but I think the height of the prints is just right -- it makes that squat ceiling look higher by having space above the chairs, and you do not want to close this space. What's wrong is that they are too far apart -- balance the space between the corners and each print ~ in this case think in terms of visually-balanced fifths: wall-print-wall(including decal)-print-wall. It's the faux fire that's brining this room down (have you tried lowering it to the floor?), but Junipergirl is right ~ the room needs to be anchored, and the perfect rug would do that. I too would usually choose something traditional (that's my personal taste), but for this space, to harmonise styles, I would suggest something more modern, and something with texture as this room is texturally very flat. A shaggy white rug (seeing your husband insists on keeping those white walls, and in a space this size I am inclined to agree with him), with touches of the rose-pink echoed in the prints would anchor the whole scheme beautifully. I agree that the finishing touches of a table-lamp (think of that classic 'Ritz/Savoy' pleated shade, in white, with a gold-tone pedestal to match the print-frames, possibly on a very light-looking round Deco occasional table), and an indoor palm - something texturally variagated, not smooth - and I think this room will work very well ... it's much better than you seem to think Gov (I feel very Cockney saying that!), and all the features - except the heater - are good and work well together.

If you get good dry wood and for the right price I'd go with wood everytime. It burns hot, dry and clean. However not everyone has the ability to get the wood, nor has time to stack, bring it inside, etc.. I'd have a wood fire for the look and feel but just use it occasionally if regular wood supply is not possible. Electric reverse cycle is very efficient now and even better when used with solar power. Gas was the way to go for heating up until a few years ago now its back to electric again.... Keep the open fire and have electric reverse cycle as well! I'd keep the chimney but add some corbel's to it. Maybe the blue feature brick like on the window sills. You could make the chimney a feature rather than trying to do the opposite.

The style is less important than getting the proportion, flow and eco efficiency correct. You can build something on a tight budget but to feel happy with the outcome you need to decide on your key features - must haves. Put more resource into these areas and look for savings elsewhere. Many new homes fall short because they try to have every current trend which often makes them dated. What you chose to do should depend on the purpose of the home and how long you intend to be there. Do the basics well - consider how you live your life and the important traffic flows. Less is more- a smaller square foot will cost less and allow for better quality fittings. Features that make a statement but are often after thoughts are a good front door, an attractive kitchen slash back and an interesting bathroom and tapware. Good use of colour costs no more and shifts the house out of the ordinary, boring zone. Being careful about cladding choices really effects the impression of a home even before you enter the front door - don't be tempted by the ugly end of the line brick special - you will never recoup the saving in resale. The placement, proportion and shape of windows makes a huge difference to the look of an exterior it can either contemporise and make a house look dated. Remember that big windows cost more to furnish and may make it difficult to heat or cool the house. If going smaller with windows be clever about the placement and look to what views they will offer. If doing blinds etc - look on line - you can save fortune but always get samples first and buy one for a small place e.g. Laundry to check you are happy first. Dont succumb to stumpy curtains - almost always drapes should be floor length otherwise they look cheap. If you can't afford good drapes buy the lining first and use double tracks and put the ones you want up when you can afford them. Roof lines do influence build cost with raked [ sloping ]ceilings being more expensive but why can take the house from being average to interesting. This could be one of your features. It may also be worth considering a renovation to allow time to gather funds to do what pleases you. Something i wouldn't bother with is the current trend for a butlers pantry - just a fad and often a costly one - if you want a separate area better to have a large sliding or cupboard with shelves and a bench top rather than separate room. it kills the interaction with the rest of the house. I would definitely go for a separate laundry - needed for storage and hygienic purposes. Laundries in kitchens are not nice from a buyers perspective. Approach a local group building company and look at their house plans and costings- they will be able to advise where the costs and savings are. Through bulk purchase they are often able to deliver what you want but be sure to personalise for your needs and preferences. I hope this helps

Hi Kylie Decking is beautiful and there are pros and cons for composite v hardwood. We install both timber and composite for our clients and we like both. However, whichever you choose, its a lifestyle choice. One requires maintenance consistantly and the other is very low maintenance. We're based in WA so we don't recommend clients install BlackButt or Spotted Gum if exposed to any weather (a pergola is not rain proof) as those boards don't suilt the hot dry climate. In our experience of installing Spotted Gum and Blackbutt decks exposed to the weather in Perth and installed by other companies, is that these Eastern States timbers can split and warp if not very regularly re-oiled. However, if you're in the Eastern States, your climate may be better suited. We mainly install Merbau decking and sometimes WA Jarrah (for undercover areas). Merbau is a quality hardwood that doesn't tend to cup or split, although it still requires oiling regularly. There are many composite brands on the market and the main thing to remember is - you get what you pay for. There are very good brands, good brands and economical brands. We've installed most brands however we do tend to lean towards Trex, NewTechWood, Millboard, EvaLast and NexGen. These are all good brands with good warranties. We're not given commission by these brands if we recommend one over the other however, we install what we know is going to provide our clients with quality, longevity and create solutions over problems. Timber v a good quality composite: * Timber requires ongoing maintenance costing time and money. Composite might need a wash down once a year * Timber does not come with a product warranty depending on the supplier. A good composite brand will come with a 20+ year warranty * Most timbers are screwed or coil nailed (not advised) to the joists. Composite boards are secret nailed so you wont see nails or screws through the board * Timber is a 100% natural product and suits all styles of home. Composite has an element of plastic (a good brand may be 70% recycled timber + 30% recycled plastics) * Both timber and composite can scratch. Scratched timber may be sanded back (which takes a lot of work) to remove the scratch. A composite board, once stratched deeply, cannot be fixed. * Timber boards can cup, shrink, swell and crack. Composite boards to expand and contract length ways however a good brand should not shrink, cup or crack. * Composite can get hot on a 40 degree day. But, so can timber. Any surface will be hot on a hot day * Composite boards are smooth to walk on and come with slip ratings. Timber is lovely to walk on too however can become splintery if not maintained * Composite decking is more of a cost investment initially however if a 10L good tin of oil costs $250.00 perhaps twice a year as an ongoing cost plus your time to move your furniture, oil the deck and avoid deck use for 24 hours while the deck drys up to 4 times a year, the investments are almost the same. I hope this helps you make a decision. Best wishes! Regards, Castlegate Home Improvements