Thank-you both for your input! I think I'm tossing up between putting the chairs in the nook or against the long wall. If chairs go in the nook, it's cosy and there's more walkway space as you said, Luke, for beanbags etc. However, what would I do with the 2m wall near the entrance? Would seating there be a bit odd? However having the screen in the nook would allow for a longer row of seating I think? So potentially more people could fit in, although those sitting near the door may have an obscure view of the screen. It seems like both options have pros & cons! We don't have anything that needs to go in, so to speak, although plenty of seating options and tables for drinks etc would be really great!

Hi We had the same decisions but in a new build We went with a floating hearth and mantlepiece between the 2, as I think they add to the fireplace feel, even if it is gas. I wanted non symmetrical so an art work or ceramic will go on the other side (not shown in pics) it doesn’t have the cupboard The hearth is the same tiles as the outside paving The other way for ours would be to have made the plaster to resemble an old fashioned chimney great & painted that. They issue we have is the fireplace has been supplied without a part so not yet complete Best wishes for your decisions

In the 3rd picture , we can see the potplants , the artwork and the exterior , and IMO it looks more pleasant than the other 2 pics , which look pretty styled and impersonal . The wall above the second unit ( the dining area ) needs an artwork to balance the TV on the other side , and maybe its just me , but I think the 2 units are a bit light in colour -- in the pictures , they almost look 'fake timber' , a bit lacking in warmth against the offwhite walls , and even against the dining table ( the dining table , even though its lighter , looks better IMO ) . Others may disagree , just my taste . I also don't think the 2 light styles quite gel -- I understand what you were trying to do , but it hasn't quite worked in my eyes . I love the dining table ones , the lounge one is a bit too meh for me .

I don't overly think paint is the answer -- apart from a couple of blue pictures in a slightly weird looking closed in area outside 1 bedroom -- well , ignoring the view i should add -- there isn't really a beach vibe . Is that how the unit currently looks , furniture wise ? Or are those real estate or previous owner pics ? The unit looks '90's ( and I hate those 90's lights haha ! ) so I'm guessing you don't want to go back to the pastel 50's California vibe , which had Art Deco influences anyway . Where it is / was good is that it can be pretty rough and ready . A bit off the track , but one of our bars we did in that theme -- pastel blue and pink and neon exterior ; rattan light fittings , distressed wood , those 'aged' tin signs , old California number plates , even an 80cm clock with pink neon around the edge , and a pink neon Playboy bunny ears , lots of older but tidy furniture , a 32 inch flat screen inside an old cabinet , jute rugs , etc , etc . So basically , I'd do a more modern update -- striped pastel cushions , beach look pictures , comfortable as opposed to designer furniture , a sign that says ' Life is a Beach' with shells glued around the edge . . . . . . . . you get the idea !