Thanks so much Leslie, it is exciting, thank you- do you think tan leather sofas would be too much in this space and if not , what colour would you recommend a navy armchair then?

Beautiful! Thanks so much, is great to have your advice, your inspo pics are so great

It has tan leather on it

I like the idea of tan, but you might need to search out your preferred colour. I have a copy of a book on using Australian colour in decorating, which is visually interesting and full of ideas. I happen to love autumn type tonings. If you're going for lots of bookshelves, they will add colour. Also if you have a picture you love for your walls, using it for colour works too. And I love your window benches, just a great place to curl up and read!

Thanks so much advice Jennifer , what is your book called? Yes I can't wait to sit up and read on the bench seats

The book is called: Using Australian Colour by Janne Faulkner and Harley Anstee, published by Hardie Grant books. It does provide specific paint and Lamiex names but that's really just a guide. The pictures and the swatches in a row in colour families with contrasts are good inspiration. Good luck.

Thanks again Jennifer, greatly appreciated

Wow! Look at your place ! It's amazing - and that location! thanks very much

Beautiful mood board CP , thanks for the feedback

It's funny, the comment about outfits as I was also going to recommend a website called the Vivienne Files. It's about coordinated wardrobes, but one strand is based on paintings - "inspired by art", and it can be useful to look at the way she pulls out the colours from a piece of art and then chooses garments that echo those shades. You can use the same concept for decorating and it gives you a chance to see how the colours look together. From a personal taste point of view, I'd try to avoid monochromatic schemes, especially if they are based on taupe. Large spreads of colour - like floors, walls, large lounge suites, should probably be something you're not likely to get sick of. Really fashionable "now" colours often date. Wall colours, curtains, cushions and other accessories are easier and cheaper to change. But you've got to live with it and it's good if you can sit and feel pleasure from your surroundings, so go with what you most love.

Thanks Jennifer, so great to learn of all these books and sites that are so helpful. Thanks for the love advice though- sometimes it's not all about fashion but about how it makes you feel I think

I've been thinking about that a lot lately as we're putting our house on the market soon and it needs a bit of freshening. At present, all the living spaces and hall are designed to go with the double brick walls at both ends of the house - and they are absolutely beautiful (and probably expensive) bricks, tinged with those Australian outback colours, think the Olgas, Kununurra. So the walls are a very washed out salmony colour, with curtains in the same shade. Wooden ceiling, neutral carpet and lots of bookshelves. We like it (and so do our new house minders). The painter wants us to replace it all with off white - which would require, as it means all new window treatments, about $10,000. Wouldn't work with existing furniture at all (which would mean hiring stuff, more expense) and besides, someone who bought the house might HATE it and want to redo all the decor. Which is their prerogative but we inherited the colour scheme and loved it so we think we'll just freshen what we have and let the new owners do their own thing - if they want to. I'm aiming for a quality and cleanliness that means they could just move straight in, but beyond that, it's their choice. But I feel a bit guilty not taking the painter's advice.

It's a tough time selling , knowing what is the right way to go about it. I like to think people will get a "feeling" when they walk in - and your place sounds like it has that "home" feeling with quality bones that as you say , someone can refresh to their taste . Good luck with everything

Thanks.

Great layout idea, thanks heaps! I hadn't thought of a swivel chair, it's such a great idea

Gorgeous! Thank you

Hello K K, what a fabulous space! I wanted to show you my favourite pieces from our current collection which would go really well in your new space. Here is the

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Good luck! Whatever you choose the room will look great.