Thank you...........very educational..........

I love mirrors - they bounce light around and depending upon what they're reflecting they're great to use for feng shui - if you're really worried about using mirrors - ensure that they reflect back something terrific (say such as green plants outside). You need to review how you use plants - the ones that youve got are low - you need something that is eye height and on your furniture - to create different levels of greenery - so think about taller indoor palms, and when you get your TV wall mounted, you could use the TV unit for storage and put a plant(s) on top of it to give you different levels. If you can replace the map for other keepsakes/accessories from Mongolia I think you'd be better off. Soft fluffy "hairy/furry" cushions will soften your lounge and refer back to traditional heritage. You could replace the map with a Mongolian style rug or traditional artwork. Utilize a strong horse statue or vase, hanging a piece of traditional costume (similar to the way Kimonos are hung) or a piece of reproduction artwork - just pick things that you love on your coffee table and other walls. You could also do shadow box frames traditional jewellery/horse stirrups/bridles for something eye catching (you can source these online or if you've got family still in Mongolia it's well worth asking them to check out markets/antique shops). The map doesn't really do your home or your background justice - Mongolia has such a rich history and culture to pick from - have some fun with it. I think as soon as you remove the vertical blinds and replace them with curtains you'll instantly feel better - (hang them as close to the ceiling as possible - it'll make your room feel taller and the curtains themselves will bring a feeling of soft comfort) and with changing the coffee table you'll be on the right track.

Yes Jacqueline, we are in Qld, and at the moment, the humidity is stifling. Not much breeze til late afternoon for months and we're not going to have air con in for at least the first Summer. I get those fans don't work for you but builder hasn't batted an eyelid, ha ha! I must admit, I don't love obstructing the kitchen pendants but I have small kids and our dining table is a homework space, crafting bay, meeting point with friends for morning teas, etc, not just a dinner table, so it's imperative we have a fan somewhere in this space. We currently have the same layout of dining, living, kitchen and there is just one fan between the dining and living and it does absolutely nothing for anyone in either of those rooms (I currently have two pedestals blaring, ha ha!), so it was high on my list to amend...somehow! As for the lights, I'm glad you have confidence in Beacon. I wasn't sure how much of their advice centres on design vs functional layout of lighting. I think your idea of many dimmers is great! I had requested it already for master and MPR (front lounge area) but wondered if I would be being pedantic seeing them elsewhere. But I think it would be great to be able to dim the lights in the living area as you're winding down for the evening, maybe reading a book or just creating some atmosphere. Thanks for your input.

Hi Susan, Have you completed this project? Happy to advise on track and also wall mounted up lighters. These are more efficient, don't affect your insulation, and create a great ambiance in the space .