Didn't know anyone still did the free making on curtains anymore, but Spotlight do have a lot of sales on ready mades - it is just getting the size. Most of Spotlight's ready mades are thermal backed too, which could be practical for you, they do make a difference keeping the cold out, but I like to have a sheer behind as they do block out light. I liked the idea of a nice rich cream brocade and there is usually quite a bit of choice in that sort of thing. Loved your outlook too, looks lovely and peaceful. I do like colour through my home but not that much and I weave 3 or 4 colours through the house to tie it all together. Maybe Bunnings had a sale of wrongly mixed colours :)) I think you have done a great job downstairs, you have created a simple backdrop to let your furniture and furnishings shine and set the mood. No, I was talking ceramic tiles for the bathroom, I just had my bathrooms done and had the option of laying tiles over the existing tiles to save costs. I would only do it as a temporary solution, if you think you might redo the bathroom totally down the track, but I know others who have done it to save costs and the step hasn't been a bother, I guess it would depend on the tile you chose. I ended up with a bit of a step anyway because the tiles I chose were quite thick. Just trying to think of options for you. There are also outdoor carpets that might work, they used to be quite patterned, but if you like Persian, you might find something along those lines. Trying to think now where I have seen them. I'm wondering if Bunnings might have something.

I would select stationary panels to go between each window and at the ends of the windows and depend on something else for privacy and climate control. Or you could do as JMittman so nicely suggested and use roman shades on each window, mounting them just below the ceiling. Plantation shutters could also be used with stationary panels. You would probably get the best cold weather control with draperies that close over all the windows, but you do not have a lot of space between some of your windows, so you should discuss with your local drapery person how much glass would have to be covered with operable draperies. Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

Hi Neryl, A great little project that you can get a lot of satisfaction from. I wouldn't treat this room in isolation and instead look at making sure the rest of the house influences your decisions. There are some great suggestions here. My thoughts: - Replace floor tiles and tile the walls to the underside arch of the window. Use a white Johnson tile in brick format with black grouting, very economical. - No curtain on the window but I like the idea of the shutter, or use a film on the window but only if privacy is an issue. - Paint window frame white - Paint the rest of the room a feature colour - something rich and in keeping with the house. From the door handles I get the feeling the house is 30's/40s??? This will warm & tighten up the room with class. Could be a deep grey or green. - New wall hung vanity unit, keep it simple. Caroma have a great vintage range that are timeless, not faux replica. - If budget permits, a new toilet suite. Porcher have some economical models from discontinued lines, like the older style Cygnet. They come with the full warranty and are close coupled to reduce cleaning in nooks and crannies. - a new light fitting - say a simple frosted sphere, almost like a cotton ball. - a wall hung mirror in frame rather than anything contemporary. - wall mount everything including the toilet brush. All the best, and enjoy the transformation! Rebecca

The memories of learning 'chopsticks' when a teenager with my Grandma, on her piano. I think I then progressed to Que Sera, Sera (Doris Day) The red mahogany colour is difficult, but if you have your neutral colours and then add an accent piece that compliments the colour of the piano, then this will tie it all together.