I see this is a very old thread , with lots of comments . I've just skim read them , but I haven't seen anyone suggest anything like my 'top-of-my-head' idea -- I love the wood , and the white contrast , but pretty boring . Whats your favourite colour , or what ties in with the other rooms ? It might be blue or red or yellow or orange or green , as examples . So paint the skirting board and around the door a pastel shade of your choice , and add a small 30cm x 30cm abstract painting featuring that colour as the primary dominant one , above ( or possibly below , or maybe even get 2 matching/complementary ones ) the control panel . One lighting crowd suggested glass shades -- I'd actually go for someothing large but wooden , in much the same shade as your floors and steps , with LED bulbs -- you can get some stunning ones around 80-100 cm in diameter ( sort of a star ball shape ) for $300-400 . Total budget then $500 plus a painter and maybe electrician , unless you DIY .

You are kind to say that, Julie. Hubby also washed and polished the floorboards in the two rooms we decided to retain. They look much better as well. This has been fun project; don't quite know what I'll do with myself after it's completed! :) although, in saying that, there is the garden here to keep us occupied...!

I think that top one from Amart will look lovely with the room and will definitely carry on with your timber throughout, it’s different, has a light wood that will pick up the white of the tables, I would love it myself. Are you able to get a larger photo of it and see how it looks near tables.

When it comes to considering ideas for any kind of building project, the impact of budget to what you're trying to achieve is critical and the first thing to get a proper handle on. The various floor plan ideas are only valid if they align with budget. Budget limits should not be sidelined until down the track. In fact they can be utilised as a great way of guiding, filtering and focusing various ideas and plans towards the most appropriate outcome. We should always design with a conscience and consciousness for the budget involved.