I'm sure there's plenty of confusion about the why's and wherefore's of house orientation. The reality, as I have recently discovered, is that if want to live in an area that is older, developed, close to facilities, you take whatever orientation the block actually happens to be and do the best you can with it. Unless you're out in the country, or buying something in a new estate, you may not get a choice of orientation: we certainly didn't. And yes, our garage does have the best aspect - because there was nowhere else to put it - it had to face the street - but we live walking distance to shops (think of the petrol saved on not having to get into the car), we've got clerestory windows on the west side so no afternoon sun issues, and we're assembling a collection of sails for the south side, where the deck is, to provide shade from the late afternoon sun. Oh, and skylights for the kitchen. No, not ideal. But the location is, and the designers have worked around the constraints of orientation. And that's reality for a lot of us.

Can anyone tell me what the actual difference is between a "living" room and a "family" room? Also is a "lounge" room just another name for either one of the above? Thanks

Hi laura_85 Your room looks lovely and the architecture looks classic 60,70s with high vaulted ceilings. You could furnish with a retro vibe with mid century modern inspired bedsides (see below) and I would recommend a contrast to the timber with an upholstered bedhead. Keep the furniture and bedhead shapes in a streamlined design to be more modern. A bed base on legs will keep an open feel to the room. An accent chair is also a great addition to the space- the butterfly chair suggested would be great. Add plenty of textures (bedding, cushions, throws) in neutral tones to soften the room. A couple of small prints above the bed will finish off the look. Consider the window furnishings as well in your selections. These triangular windows are tricky and limit your choices. Best wishes

We agree, a rug could help define and delineate the different spaces! It looks like you may need some specific and quite large sizes - look for rugs that can be ordered in custom sizes to take the stress out of trying to make stock rugs fit! You have an absolutely amazing artwork on the wall there - perhaps use these blues and golden tones as inspiration? Blues would looks great with the wooden cupboards and accents. Some suggestions: https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/handknot-collections/contemporary-hand-knot/aegean-sky-blue/ https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/handknot-collections/contemporary-hand-knot/dover-light-blue/ https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/handknot-collections/contemporary-hand-knot/mars-light-blue/ https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/handknot-collections/contemporary-hand-knot/morgan-grey-2/ https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/handknot-collections/contemporary-hand-knot/soraya/ https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/handknot-collections/contemporary-hand-knot/venus-beige/ https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/handknot-collections/contemporary-hand-knot/twill-blue/ https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/designer-collaborations/akira-isogawa-hirameki/batik-ubud/