Definitely start with a rug. I don't know what your style is so can't make specific rug suggestion. But, I would take advantage of this neutral palette to choose a rug with a design and colors I love, then add pillows and accessories repeating those colors. Make sure the rug is large enough to be in scale with the sofa. The sofa has pretty hard lines, you might consider a round ottoman out of fabric. Above the sofa you could do artwork in graphic black and white, or color. Don't worry about everything matching. I am a believer that artwork is chosen because you love the piece. It should stand out in the room if you made the decision to invest in something. Check out local colleges the art department has several sales during the year of student art; especially around this time of year. Once you have the rug and ottoman add some chairs for additional seating. Enjoy and have fun.

Hi Blufitch, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The four coffee tables are lovely, but I would probably opt for one of the two top ones. That being said, check the measurements first as these round tables might be significantly larger than your existing Ikea table. Re the potted plant, a taller one would be better, or you can put this one on a plant stand or even on a ceramic stool. But if you feel a mirror would be too much due to your mirrored splashback, leave the plant as it is and hang a framed print above the plant. It doesn't need to be big, but it's important that it s not too small so it doesn't look too "lost" on the wall. It's hard for me to judge the size from here, but a 70x40 frame might be ok. You could have only the yellow canvas above the couch, but you would have to bring in a few more brightly-coloured cushions or throw onto the couch, to compensate for the empty wall. Alternatively, you could also hang a large mirror above the couch. If you decide to do this, I think it would be best to move the canvas back to where it was, and hang the mirror in front of the window, so it reflects the natural light around and gives more depth to the room. The large Ikea Stave mirror (in white stained oak) is very reasonably priced and would work great. Just double check it fits first (it's 70x160)! Tell us how yo go! All the best, Nelly / Twinkle and Whistle

Congratulations on your new home. I think you have been very sensible to live in it for a year before starting your decorating, it has given you time to consider the lighting and aspect of each room in all seasons as well as time to evaluate how you want to live in your home and exactly what you need. The lounge does look very big and bulky and will definitely dominate the room, so I would keep to the lighter colour. Don't worry about the kids and dirt - as Kookykaren said, leather cleans easily - sharp objects and textas are your bigger worry regardless of what colour you choose. Laying newspaper on the floor to the size of the lounge is another way of checking how it will look as it gives you a better indication of bulk than tape. I would keep your ottoman simple (one with storage is an excellent idea with the children), just a tone on tone fabric or a pattern using the colours in the rug on the floor of the photo of the lounge. I don't think you have room for too large an ottoman but I would have a square one made the same height as the lounge so when just you and DH are watching TV you can push it against the other end of the lounge and both have a chaise. You can then bring some colour with art work or some patterned cushions on the lounges.

Hi 18. The apartments were completed just 5 years ago and good quality carpet is like new. It's weird to have just a sliver of kitchen tile to define the space as it's very restrictive. The dining area should be next to kitchen, so that's another challenge, as is the bathroom that's not really private. I've lived in the building since it was new and love all the facilities, and this is one of the better floorplans. I love the sofas and wonder whether just one would work better. It's 5 weeks till I move and now have offers of help. Whew!