Well if your over designing and putting in more then what is required you are just becoming a part of the problem. Because the amount of energy that has gone into manufacturing your home and each material in it. Those materials require energy to produce them..... On the other hand yes there is that question what if there is not enough can we trust government policy. I think our focus should really be how can we design homes that design for current conditions, have a zero and no carbon footprint and the costs of manufacturing do not offset this goal. So I do place my trust in the science and research from the CSIRO. And policy that has been created as a result of their research yes.

Hi Tania, Congratulations on getting this far, It can be so baffling to take a project on by yourself, furnishings and design. I believe a monochromatic colour scheme is always interesting when pairing black, greys and whites with different textures. Black is one of the few colours that actually matches with everything, It is the most versatile of colours. Any style, including scandinavian, industrial contemporary or mid-century modern can incorporate black into the colour scheme so whatever style you choose will work fantastic and timelessly. If you so wish, have a peek over on my page. It is a sanctuary to black and white and prints of most works are available. Q1. Recommendation on artprint/artwork (of course I'll suggest my own works ;) they work equally well in both living areas and bedrooms as they have no loud colour scheme, however the 'Spheres' work are particularly soothing in a bedroom area. http://www.houzz.com.au/projects/1700859/contemporary-black-and-white-large-scale-charcoal-artwork http://www.houzz.com.au/projects/1967180/new-series-spheres-grids Q2. How many art print to hang above the couch or bed? depending on the size of the works you choose, one in a landscape layout above the bed of a series of three may work equally as well. Q3. A suitable colour scheme (pillows for sofa, prints) monochromatic, greys, whites and blacks like I mentioned above mixed with various textures and a soft pastel pallet for cushions etc. Good Luck Tania and be sure to post photos afterwards! Miriam :)

An instagram style wall - small white square picture frames hung evenly in rows from height of computer screens upwards, with some of your favourite candid pictures. would look good all printed in b&w, or sepia to tie in with your colour scheme...or alternatively go bright and vivid! summer beach shots, pets, kids, holidays etc

Cloudpants awesome inspiration photos gave me an idea .... I'm just wondering if the lounge rotated to be length ways behind your dining chairs (facing towards the laundry/fire) with a large rug down and then perhaps a couple of recliners opposite (in front of the laundry door) with a coffee table in between might help define the space a bit better - but it might be a little small to accommodate that idea? Also thought perhaps a barn style slider door on the laundry might help to hide it and add a bit of a feature on that wall?