Hi AnAhitA Nazari, I totally agree. I actually don't intend to keep the couch on that wall, it just happens to be there due to the renos we are doing at the moment. I thought one of the red chairs under that print on an angle would be better and maybe a little table with a lamp on it? I can't change the colour of the walls as we have just finished painting it so I'm stuck with it. The room is part of a big room which has a partition 5ft wall separating it from the dining room. I'm thinking of putting the sofa on that wall and the other chair on its right hand side. As for the furniture in that room I do realise it's not a great choice but they have lots of memories to me so once again I'm stuck with them lol

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

To start with, don't try to do the whole house at once, you will only confuse yourself more. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day. Plan room at a time, look for available options in your price range and then ensure everything comes together through the whole house. A colour scheme can achieve this and introducing blues and greens will keep the look fresh and modern but still masculine. Maybe introduce dad to Houzz too so he can give you ideas of what he would really like. Agree with Louie some simple sheer white curtains would soften the blinds and dress up the rooms better. I don't see anything wrong with keeping the guest room beds if they are comfortable but new, more modern linen would make a huge difference. I think I would have to lose the dressing table in the master bedroom though, but to keep the bed and add new bedside tables and drawers would not be out of place. I would definitely look for new artwork though, unless your dad has any sentimental reason for keeping any he has. Check out $2 shops, many of them have inexpensive canvas prints these days that can be used very effectively. It comes down to how creative you can be. Check out Houzz for interesting ways to hang artwork too. $2 shops are also good for finding interesting pieces to create a coastal look especially when it is all very "in" at the moment. If the lounge is still good and comfortable, don't rush to replace it. It is a little bulky for the room but keep everything else to a minimum. The glass coffee table for example, is a good idea as it visually does not take up space. The most important thing for older people is to have furniture that is not too difficult to move for cleaning and to keep beds and chairs at a realistic height for ease of sitting and standing as joints get older. Good luck with it all.