Also have a dual purpose room. We did inexpensive white shelving units around two walls, with fabric boxes to stash stuff, (office, and my "crafty" supplies), threw in a few decorative items. Got a tall basket for rolled up mats/foam roller storage, a complementary lower basket to throw in the requisite elastic bands, small hand weights, etc. Decorated walls with pics from our travels, framed with colored mats.

i saw the glowering pendants and the paintings at about the same time. I always thought my taste was a bit eclectic, but not to the extent of having things staring at me all the time. Dog pedestals, paintings, dog statues, antlers (faux but still animals), and that porthole type thing looks like something out of 1984. Big Brother is watching. Definitely not for me.

Sue, congratulations. You've not only identified a colour you feel happier about, you've actually created it. I suspect you'll now be able to create a pleasing mix of warm greys, plywood browns, stone tones, coppers or bronzes, warm whites, etc; maybe with a bit of yellow added come spring; and you'll be able to live with the brownish sofa until you're ready to update or reupholster. I have some KAS cushion covers from a couple of years ago which show how this kind of colour mix can be done. One has stylised flowers (a la Mexican) in grey, brown and caramel with a touch of burnt orange. (You mention liking ochre.). Another is lighter grey, brown, taupe and bone-white on a natural linen. A third (less subtle) is warm greens with brown, taupe, yellow, white and a little aqua. I'm not saying go for styles that are a few years out of fashion. But do be confident enough to resist a harsh, hard-edged option if a gentler one is right for your temperament and household and the room's aspect. Robyn

I think it's better to buy new furniture rather than old ones. If you are a little low on funds, it is still possible to get brand new furniture. Many stores provide financing options that help you make affordable payments on your furniture, Value Office Furniture is one of them. They provide delivery throughout Australia and provide a wide range of furniture in all categories.