Hi Zoe, Congratulations to you both on your 1st home purchase. Small designer furniture is what comes to mind. 2 seater sofa, lamp table, floor rug, small coffee table and a TV entertainment unit that fits the common wall at the kitchen end. Light coloured furniture & decor and the clever use of wall lighting will help make the room seem larger. The good thing is you can spend up big on the small amount of things you need to buy. Below are some images that I've found online that could be of interest to you. Links as follows: http://ynnu.net/tips-in-decorating-small-living-room-design-with-modern-furniture/elegant-grey-sofa-furniture-and-indoor-flowers-plant-in-small-living-room-decorating-design-ideas-2012 http://www.besthomedesigns.org/start-small-living-room-decorating-ideas/small-living-room-ideas/ http://abanthome.com/living-rooms-ideas-for-small-space/ http://www.a-v-designs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Very-Small-Living-Room-Ideas-66.jpg

Thanks for all the suggestions. It's taken a bit of time but I have collected a few pieces to make the space look better. I decided on a table lamp and have grouped some photos behind it. I'm really happy with the result. a couple of new cushion covers for some more colour which I love. I also have a clock for the far right wall and a picture for behind the couch. i don't love the picture but it will do until I can find something I really like (and have the funds for). thanks for all the great suggestions.

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)

What a lovely room you have. My first thought is to establish where your traffic area is. Each room has a natural traffic flow and you will find it frustrating if you have to divert around furniture. Breaking the room up into zones, i.e. tv watching, play space, dining area etc will make the room feel larger and you will use the space more efficiently. When it comes to tv placement, consider where the light comes in. You will want the screen placed where the light from windows won't fall on it, or where you can close a curtain. Also, whether you want to see the tv from the kitchen, or see the view the same time as watching tv. Consider if you want the space to be a conversation area, where the tv doesn't dominate, or be a dedicated tv watching space. There is a lot to think about and decisions will be based on your family's lifestyle. As for furniture, Ikea have some great items suitable for children and toy storage that are reasonably priced. For the lounge, choose the best you can afford, for the sake of comfort. Try getting one with washable slip covers. The same goes for the rug. A good quality wool rug will last a long time, comes up well with cleaning and can even be redyed at a later stage.