Very interesting.

Thank-you both for your input! I think I'm tossing up between putting the chairs in the nook or against the long wall. If chairs go in the nook, it's cosy and there's more walkway space as you said, Luke, for beanbags etc. However, what would I do with the 2m wall near the entrance? Would seating there be a bit odd? However having the screen in the nook would allow for a longer row of seating I think? So potentially more people could fit in, although those sitting near the door may have an obscure view of the screen. It seems like both options have pros & cons! We don't have anything that needs to go in, so to speak, although plenty of seating options and tables for drinks etc would be really great!

I would be inclined to go with an unobtrusive light since it's the living room and anything too dramatic or a hanging pendant may interfere with your peripheral vision (or otherwise be an annoyance) when you're watching TV, etc. Also, being so near the sliding door, the wind may cause a hanging pendant to swing quite a bit which will cause the lighting to be constantly shifting and changing which I would personally find annoying. I'd go with something simple and subtle, but look at getting a tall standing lamp for the corner near the sofa (or possibly at the other end of the floating TV cabinet). In terms of warming up the apartment, I think you need something on the bare walls. A smaller picture above the floating TV cabinet will help to take the focus off your TV. A larger art work behind the sofa will also help to add some colour and personality, especially if it picks up some hues from your sofa. If you don't like the little Buddha statue, I would look at adding one or two other items that you do like (perhaps picking up colours from the wall art) and making a little vignette. A couple of colourful cushions and a storage solution for the wires, games console, etc on the floor would also help to bring everything together. Something as simple as a woven basket under the floating TV cabinet might help to keep the games console, etc in place unless it is in use.

I do most of my lighting shopping on-line now. I find the shops just too overwhelming, or maybe I'm just a moth....no matter how hard I try to stay focused I always get taken by something that just doesn't fit the style/design. Try temple & webster