Hello kellyi. The living room needs straight, long drapes in a simple pattern, I think. No swags, no tie-backs, no extra anything. I'd look for something with a light, off-white background as the room is a bit heavy with brown, and perhaps a geometric pattern that introduces your favourite colour. It could happily be green, but the room is so neutral it could be anything. Pick up that colour in a couple of throw pillows, which could also be patterned, or plain. On the lighting I think you could probably get better advice from someone else. But I'd also like to suggest big art for your fireplace to hang just a few inches above the mantlepiece. Again something modern, light and bright. Preferably with a touch of brown in it but other colours predominating -- including the curtain colour. I think these are both charming and cheerful, but of course nothing is more about your personal taste than choosing a painting. These are on etsy.com, in the landscapes section.

This is just like our Mediterranean house in Canberra. It was rendered white which never cracked or got mould on it, though I would prefer it to be done in a modern colour like our current home on the Gold Coast which is a rich sand colour with a heavy bagged appearance that has faded from a strong dark sand. With beautiful dark patterned orangey tiles all outside that reflect their colour on the walls during the day it is quite magical. Roof tiles also spray painted after being re pointed. I suggest you amplify the lovely quality of arches and don't go for what is trendy. But go with colour scheme for the house design. At our entrance there is a built up garden courtyard feature with wonderful iron gates and a large water feature in the courtyard that the lounge room looks out to and has the French doors that also opened onto the courtyard garden. Commence the courtyard wall to the left side of the steps and create a flat area at the gated entrance where we had a north single gate and a west double gate. The Pines were planted on the outside of this courtyard wall and gave extra privacy and blocked the westerly afternoon sun. The house always looked impressive, yet was just a simple presentation.

Hi Sue, I thought I should toss some other options at you. Consider the Master in the old kitchen using this plumbing for the ensuite. This room opening up to both North and West views it would be best if the whole fireplace along with chimney is removed which would mean a vertical support beam would be needed to support the ceiling (engineers decision) The small extension for the shower room to have a glass slopping roof, you would also need to add a pergola on the western side of the Master (Vergola pergola) The new kitchen moved into the old office and ensuite once again using this plumbing for the kitchen, opening up walls between these rooms should be easier than others in the house. Large sliders off both the kitchen and "The Great Room" to take advantage of the western views out across the pool Depending on structural load bearing wall I would like to open up the wall between the kitchen and "The Great Room" for an amazing space with abundant light. I have shown that wall with 2 x 1m openings (there's already one doorway to make use of or open that wall to whatever the engineer approves. The Kitchen is now within easy access to the pool and BBQ, plus bathroom facilities. The room next to the new kitchen to become Mudroom/office/WIP. I notice that there's a driveway that ends up behind this room, is this where you mostly access the house from?

@User we really loved the house when we first bought it, especially the kitchen for its unique character. . After so many years living in the house, it started to feel quite dark and dated we wanted to change the home without moving. We are happy with the result and update As this was the last room in the house to do. Everyone has the own sense of style and what they like and this is what we like. The only thing that matters is what we like as we are living in it. Thanks for your thoughts.