Thanks all. I love Cool, Calm, Collected - it's only a suburb away from where I live... their prices are normally $$$, but they have beautiful stuff. I actually already have that West Elm light fitting in my stair case! (How embarrassing) - I love it (and they actually have it in brass in the USA but not here). Whoever suggested light in the box, thanks, I don't think I've seen that site before. I quite like this one from there: http://www.lightinthebox.com/american-creative-personality-living-room-dining-room-villa-art-pendant_p4587353.html?pos=ultimately_buy_2&prm=1.3.5.0 The search will continue! And I will still curse some of those US website for their beauties :P

I'm going to throw another opinion into the mix. I think the combination of Black and Brass is timeless. I encourage my clients to concentrate less on trends and more on what they really love, this transcends time. Brass can also be introduced into the kitchen with lighting, sinks, tapware and even stools and accessories to create a connection between elements.

Thanks for everyone's input and advice! I was planning on going for a rug, but I was surprised at how well the woods went without it. I was thinking along the lines of a jute rug, and I'm still curious to see what one would look like. I agree that there needs to be some texture, but now I'll start by adding a table runner, a colourful centrepiece or flowers and some greenery around it and go from there. Are there any places where you can buy rugs that lets you return it if it doesn't match your furniture? I actually have white tie-up shades on the windows that the pictures don't show. @girlguides, that's actually the closed bay window in the living room!

The brush nickel taps are more my style, both colour and shape. I tend to find brass a bit old fashioned. But if that is the look going for some can be lovely