Why not use some of her art work on the walls, in different size and style frames (natural, black, white & silver) - you can pick up some cheap frames in the op shop and the bargain stores - just buy some spray paint, and have fun - let your artist help....... you can even photograph some of her art work and have it blown up to poster size - the brighter the better. I'd suggest painting the walls white, with maybe a feature wall a timber bed head - one with a book shelf would be great - a double of course - the room is big enough. A rug to anchor the bed and some funky cushions. An Eames DSW white retro chair and a small white desk with some floating white shelves for odds and ends.... I'd probably get a white roller blind for the window, and paint the door, wardrobe doors and skirtings white, and a lovely large retro style light fitting in the middle of the room, or a hanging pendant next to the bed. A small bedside table - try Ikea - they have a great range, and not too expensive, you may even be able to get a great bedhead there - she sounds a very practical girl, so no frills. You want a young, fresh, modern look. Place the artwork randomly, in groups, on the walls - hang paper cut outs on the walls with blue tack, to see the effect, before you put up the art - Your artist could help with that too. What's her favourite colour??? Does she have any hobbies?? We need photos and more info.... What a lovely step dad you are!!! Good luck. I hope I've helped...

I agree, a unified floor will help with the feeling of a bigger, uninterrupted floor. I think the white on walls is fine, although I also think a soft but warmer tone might be suitable so the ambience is still warm and inviting. I can see an angled wall that appears lighter than the left of kitchen, I would hang a large mirror on this wall, to create a false room beyond, the angle will help reinforce this idea, and is a nice touch to a dining area, however informal. I would also take your lounge and try to position it facing your window. I assumes there's one in the far end we cannot see, the sofa could be away from the island back creating a walkway, and consider relocating your sideboard below it elsewhere. I can imagine it even along the back of the sofa as a console table, a lamp on top would create the perfect scenario for night reading and ambient light.

I would expect the room to feel bigger if you were to rotate the bed to sit against the blank wall. This would give you approx. 400mm on the window side and 950mm on the BIR side, 450 at the end of the bed. Depending if it is a rental or not, you could either install a long floating shelf above the bed so it is just above head height when sitting on the bed, or otherwise purchase two 400mm side tables. There would still be room (about 550) next to the side table to access all of the robe.

My daughter ran her business from her bedroom until they could afford a 3 bedroom house, their 2 bedder with two boys and no where else to fit an office was a very difficult time which thankfully they all survived. Having your office in your bedroom should be avoided at all cost, as you never leave the office behind as my daughter found out. Your bedroom is where you go to relax , I certainly wouldn't give up my sanctuary for anyone, even my kids. You are there full time so it makes sense. Your house already has enough rooms, except for making a small change to allow for another bedroom albeit small next to the bathroom as per my suggestion, Both of these rooms have space for the boys to have a desk (they don't need a lot of storage being part time) The desk in the living area can be built in to hide an office. This is a low cost solution and won't damage resale value. If down the track you can afford the new deck, try to work out to fit a room underneath as a hang out (media) area for the boys. not sure about WA but rooms like these in some states can have ceiling height at 2100, depends on what name!! you give them. My son is in a similar situation to you, except he now lives in a Studio Apartment in Sydney, so when he has his two kids 50 50 they make do in that space and seem to manage very well.