I think finding a purpose for the room is what I am struggling with.. We don't use the area. If it is used, it's purely for dining at the table. So i guess a dining room?

I feel like it is such a large space for a dining room as I have no idea what else could go into a dining room other than a table. The previous owners used the space as an additional lounge room. They mounted a tv to the wall where the socket is and had couches along the back wall and a huge rug. It looked great, but we don't have a use for a second lounge area.

That sounds quite nice Oskuee. I think I like the idea of moving the table to the other side and allowing a walk way. 2 simple large green plants in the corners would bring some life to the room

Are you planning any changes to the kitchen? The kitchen seems too removed from the space.

How about a desk and computer so you can keep an eye on what is happening on the computer if you are in the kitchen. This is a good idea for younger children and helps it they are doing homework. This could equally go along the wall near the bedroom if you moved the table to the other side.

Alternately you could have a sofa along the wall where the pool table is or some kind of storage unit if that is needed.

I agree with the idea of a mirror to reflect light as it seems quite dark in the photograph and maybe a lamp in the corner would also help.

Hi Paige. Just to add to the great comments: I would move the table over as suggested (where pool table is) and fit a buffet against the wall just next to your daughter's doorway (to the right as you face it). You could store dishes, place mats, candles, spare serving plates and bowls, or whatever you would need for setting the table. Or it could be a nice console table. Top the buffet/table with a couple of matching table lamps and a vase of flowers, or candles or decorative pieces. Then hang either a mirror, as suggested, or a large artwork on the wall above it. Plants in raised planters would suit the long wall parallel to the table. I see you have a ceiling fan, but can't tell from photo exactly where it's placed. I think one or two nice pendant lights over your dining table would define the space, and provide additional lighting. I know you said you don't want a rug in this room. Is there a particular reason for that? I ask because a rug under the table would again define the space and look terrific. If you don't want one due to spills and difficulty in cleaning, there are some beautiful outdoor rugs that only need to be hosed off. I also like the idea of bench stools, as well as a small table/desk placed against the wall where the TV outlet is. And on this same wall, I think a clock or a smaller artwork would add interest. Keep us posted and best wishes.

Just looked at your photos again. Do you keep both doors of the French door open all the time? I'm wondering if there's room for the table and chairs to fit comfortably as they are in close proximity to those doors. If not, is it possible to keep one of them closed? What is the room just beyond (where clothes drying racks are)?

Some photos for inspiration.

Thanks everyone! These suggestions have been really helpful. I am really excited to make some small but refreshing changes to my home. Get rid of the old clutter and create a useful purpose for the rooms and space I have. Eveything was just placed somewhere when we moved in and im only now keen to declutter and add some style after 4 years. And this all started by being gifted a fabulous smelling candle that made this house smell like my home. So crazy!

I am going to try the bar stools, move the table across closer to the wall. Invest in some large green pot plants and have a look at round mirrors to go under the aircon unit? Lighting has been difficult in this room and the kitchen. We have recently installed 2 sky lights 1 in kitchen 1 in dining to assist with this. In regards to the rug, i didn't like the idea of one because my daughter is a mess bomb while eating and I also have no idea with colour themes or styling? Same with the stools? Should I be sticking with the wood style for those?

I do like the idea of a desk one day, i didn't think of that for homework but that will certainly be helpful as she grows. I might look into something along the wall/corner near her room or near the kitchen where the power outlet is.

Yes i have lots of concerns with my kitchen, unfortunately we can't finance any big changes there right now, decor for now.

The french doors are mainly open but the room adjacent is our entertainment room: couches, pool table, darts and an old tv unit I've tried to turn into a bar. So we do tend to close the french doors when entertaining to block some sound from the little one.

Any suggestions on mirror positioning, rug and stool colours?

Lots of great ideas above. I have a longer term suggestion if its at all possible (cant tell from the photos) and whilst it may not be the simplest thing to do, I would consider moving the door to your daughters bedroom over to one side. Why? from the photos, it looks like the thoroughfare from one side to the other cuts the room in half, making putting the dining table in the middle of the room impractical. If its not possible, then moving the table over to the other side of the room, where the pool table is and adding the barstools will also help define the spaces. I also agree a rug would help create warmth to the space. Another use for the room (if you dont use the table much) may be creating a play space for your daughter. Something simple, with floor based play, a simple yet cosy rug, maybe a bean bag or two and a small play table set. Young kids love to feel connected to their parents and having her play close by where you can keep an eye on her means you never have to worry about what shes up to. Also it would help distribute the toy clutter out of her bedroom into easy to put away storage and keep it confined to the one space, for example an ikea Kallax or Algot shelving with baskets/cubes would work great. A wall mounted TV would allow you to watch a little TV whilst in the kitchen. All the best with it :-)

Thanks again everyone. I will certainly look into an indoor/outdoor rug then, i didn't know they existed! Something with a similar blue to the bench sounds pretty too. I wasn't sure if black would work, but having everthing timber seems too much. So i will look into the possibility of black stools with a black trim on a long rectangle mirror with black trim under the aircon.

There is currently a built in wardrobe on the right of the door and larger renos definitely not in the financial bracket we are working with at the moment, but will keep that in mind for the future. If the dining room falls through a toy chill area will be a great back up plan

Cheers everyone. Ill be sure to post about my entertainment room once I get to that, as this has been really helpful.

Some indoor/outdoor rugs made from recycled plastic. Best wishes!

Im glad you are warming up to the rug option! They inject personality and define different zones in open plan living spaces. They’re a simple way to create impact and refresh a space immediately. Pull in colours from surrounding artwork or soft furnishings to tie the room together seamlessly.

Hope we inspired you. Keep us updated on your project!

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I will post the finished room. Although it will take a while for me to save the funds to finish.

Don't need any more debt in my life Oskuee lol debt is already the reason why I don't have the funds now haha

Im lucky to clean under my table once a week so a rug probably isnt the best idea for me in reality. As much as it would look amazing... ill see how it all goes