@solarventi, Hi, sorry, I didnt work it correctly, It is an interesting concept, but I am not getting it>>> bit slow... How do you heat up in winter in Vic when we get very little sun and the weather has turned Artic this year, Main reason I am noticing the cold, especially when working outside. I do have low blood pressure so feel the cold, but the red clothing next to skin works a charm. I would like to understand... I have seen on uTube where they DIY passive heat I liked the pictures but no explanation and these were using exisiting windows .. I this with gap at bottom on outside so cold air comes in and gap at top on inside so warm air into house.... but got to technical for me. And I get confused, as hot air rises and I dont understand why fans are at the top in newer models not at bottom [of heaters] But I would mind understanding how it works.. Am going to check the website, TU very much. I have bats to put in kitchen reno but would like something to attach to the corrogated iron so there is no gap between iron and bats. Appreciate your help and will check again on your site to see if I missed anything :)

Like you said, you obviously have a light issue in the room due to the addition of the corner ceiling light and the need for sheers. Maybe paint the ceiling white. Definitely replace sheers with white plantation shutters and add your beautiful chosen pendant lights over the table. As the table is long maybe you can have the light above the window (and if there is a third one further along) moved in to have them over the table. If the pendant is very large have only one or two and remove the extra light/s altogether. You could also possibly add two wall sconces to the wall opposite the windows depending on the overall room. If you physically can't electrically fit lights on the walls now consider battery candles in the glass flutes. This would give lovely mood lighting. Have the white plantation shutters with no additional curtains but have a very large striped rug either the same red as in your photo with creamy beige to blend with lighter wall; or a light blue and white/ creamy beige rug. The light blue stripe would give a relaxed sense to the room. You may need to have these rugs made up. On the table, change to a larger silver tray and look to improving its content holders to silver and glass, light blue china and one low wide rounded fresh flower vase in silver. For dinner, remove your tall vase of roses and replace with a couple of large glass fluted candle holders with silver base rims with pillar candles either side of the tray. Best wishes.

Dear Sophia, I have read your post very carefully and become interested to advise you about flooring. I am a professional flooring consultant. I recommend you the following options : 1. Waterproof Laminate for whole house as you mentioned you want same flooring in Laundry area too. There are few waterproof laminate in the market and I am happy to help you with that if you need me to do that. 2. Carpet (Solution Dyed Nylon or Triexta) for living, dining, study and bedrooms and Vinyl planks or waterproof laminate for Kitchen and Laundry areas. If you need any further please do not hesitate to contact us via http://www.carpetshoponline.com.au/online-enquiry/

Rebecca - try oiling the timber and see if this brings it up. Rub it in with some steel wool and it can do wonders to bring life into the timber again and it is quite quick to do. The worry with painting is once that is done, you can't go back. I'm assuming you live in an area of similar homes so for selling purposes, I would check out all homes currently on the market in your immediate area, go to open house days, see how they have been renovated and gauge potential buyer's response to them, ask questions as to just what they are looking for in a home. Agents will help you with this too. I spent a year doing this before I sold my home and learned a lot from it. There are just as many people out there who want to put their own stamp on a home as there are those with no vision who just want everything pretty. Your front door, while it doesn't allow much light, could well be a significant heritage piece for the home so a solar tube or 2 could be the answer to bringing light into the space. Colourful artwork on the walls will then help detract from all the panelling too. Good luck with it all.