That looks so much better. Definitely make chair covers for the rest. I've used aqua accessories in my room- a throw, some coasters and a leaf shaped bowl for the table which has a silver outside. You can always change the accessories with the seasons (I have a red throw for Christmas time) . I'm also having a dilemma with a large window. Initially I'd wanted plantation shutters in white to replace the dark red cedar venetians which made the room gloomy, but I'm now thinking of softening with semi-sheer curtains. It is only partially overlooked in one corner and the rest looks out onto a wall that is less than 1 metre away.

Hi everyone, I'd like to thank you all for your input. Have been a busy spring and summer, but now I'm back and able to focus on the living room. Couple of things have been done/removed since lately: 1. Leather lounge set: I've (luckily) sold the leather lounge set - absolutely great piece with great quality, but not my taste at all. It made a world difference to the living room and even dear hubby, who liked the set, did acknowledge that the difference of less furnitures is great. 2. The rug 3. The white cabinet 4. New curtains with pelmet I love the pelmet although it's old style and yes, the curtains are too short! Will amend this at later stage :) These changes have made a huge impact on the room. Also, I'm also open to change the dining table with chairs for another nice option in an attempt to make this more interesting/cozy/inviting. So, these are the only things that I won't be able to change (we may (note on may) also move house by the end of this year/early next year) # Blinds # Colour of trims and built-in bookcase # Camel back sofa - I'm happy to reupholster it though and change the fabric. This will cost $2000 but I think it's worth it since they are really comfortable and are of good quality. I'd like to integrate the white frame with the gold poster in the design - an idea is to place 3x posters on the biggest wall of the air conditioner. I'm aware that a brown frame may suit the gold poster better, but I'm so tired of the colour brown at this moment. --------- So, I now feel I'm able to adjust as per your suggestions and recommendations much easier now. Appreciate every response and idea (And sorry for the mess of papers on the desk and floor! We're busy professionals and sometimes I have to let my husband have his creative space despite my OCD when it comes to decluttering and keeping it tidy)

If you only want up make a small change, reupholster the chairs and use a bit more of the fabric for curtains or just a pelmet. I think a rug under the table will help tie everything in also. A bigger change would be to paint. Here's project one houzzer did. She swapped out original chairs also. [https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/painting-a-table-dsvw-vd~3493149[(https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/painting-a-table-dsvw-vd~3493149) Another example of painted set. (http://mrscropper.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/modern-queen-anne-table.html) Alternatively, you could paint & decorate walls in dining zone to give character and leave the set as is.

Does using 19mm high performance glass make enough difference? What about using a system with frames to use double glazing? Sure it's not frameless but it'll make life a lot easier. What about a combination of different glazing systems from south to north? Or as noted before reduce the glazed area. Rather than full height drop the height down to reduce the area. I'd still change designers though because if this hasn't been considered until now what other hidden 'land mines' are there around to trip you up and lighten your wallet even further. A new (good) designer will go through the plans and assess what needs amending. Designing is complicated and complex and needs a lot of thought, planning and forward thinking.