Apologies Connie for resurrecting an old thread, but I was wondering how you got on? We are facing a similar dilemma. We have discovered existing Kauri pine floorboards in great nick as part of our reno, and want to either match or use something sympathetic in the new extension. They are competely unfinished apart from sanding, with just some black japan around the edges of the rooms.

Hi Guys , you have probably already done this room already.. But I would have tv and Fireplace sharing the same wall and move the tv if possible to take advantage of the fire on those cold days, would be nice to see tv and wood heater from the the couch area. I understand that it looks like it was an open fire and you have had to box in the flue from the wood heater, so it looks a little nicer - unless there is an option to see part of the flue (like you see on escape to the country tv show' to give character. Otherwise , I would consider bricking up the gap and keep the mantle as its quite nice and render over the fireplace area, then choose if you want to keep the walls either side of fireplace with exposed brick walls but put in 'if you can afford or like - timber open backed booked cases into the space either side of the fireplace. then if you do not like the floor tiles and cannot replace immedately, go for a big cheap dark grey rug to match couch - will update the inside of the house while you decide on flooring alternative and look much more cosy. Just my thoughts, room has good structure - shame that you cannot see the fire from the tv- guess you need to decide if you want to feature the fireplace or cover it up and make focal point of the room where the tv is instead- this will guide you in either plasstering over whole walls - or keeping some walls as they are. cheers.

I would paint the wall with Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer made by Zinsser which can be painted over any type of paint without sanding, just a wash down. See before and after photos of what I did over 10 years ago when faced with timber panelling in a few rooms.

So many good ideas on lights. I have someone on the hunt for nice fittings here. Locals love chandeliers (cheap ones, not necessarily nice) and over-wrought creations that just aren't me nor would they suit the house. I love some of the suggestions here. In a win I actually found someone who has some imported carpets. A very small range of mostly plain colours but hopefully I can find something big enough to fit under the couches and keep our feet warm. We were also thrilled to find a single furniture shop with some reasonably modern furniture. They have this round table and chairs in a 6-seater combo, in stock. With the chairs pulled out, like in the picture we would have clearance of about 50cm behind each chair. Our dining room is 3.75m x 3.9m an there's a photo of the dining space in the very first post. Thoughts on this shape versus the traditional shape we currently have? Alternatively they also have this lovely traditional long table which we also liked, which made me think we could just get the existing picnic table re-finished and then perhaps buy these chairs to go with it. So that's our Christmas break blown, as we will be driving all over town (nothing closes here) looking for house stuff!