I love your fireplace. I would not alter it. The door and the floorboards draw your eye straight to the fireplace. I wouod definitely alter the light fittings. I would have the tv on the dining room wall to the right of the arches. I wouod have one lounge on the window wall opposite the tv and a chair in the corner if there is enough room. I would have an eyecatching wing back chair to the left of the fireplace opposite the dining room and white lacy soft curtains softening the window wall. To the left of the fireplace near the dining room arch you could add some interesting decorating piece. I would concentrate on making the fireplace wall the focal point of the room and the tv corner a secondary focal point that is soft and relaxing. You could trow down a couple of beautiful, thick, soft floor mats to soften the brick and provide a texture contrast. Overall, I love the room, it has character and strength, its not boring and mundane. Good luck! I hope you find something that suits both you and hubby

I would ditch the cream and rose coloured everything, it is very dated. Go fresh white if your floor tiles allow. If they're still really creamy and look bad with white, go a more modern cream like a Hogs Bristle Quarter or similar but with fresh white trims (not a hint of cream!). Sounds like you'll get a plain modern vanity, toilet etc, so I'd keep it simple. Actually, if the toilet is white, can you keep it? It looks perfectly fine. Same for the mirror. The curtain is the other obvious thing that would make a big difference, you could replace with a roman blind that is in a bold pattern / colour. Without knowing your personal style preferences, it's hard to suggest, but I'd suggest a bold stripe or even a traditional palm tree print, a fresh ticking, a preppy geometric, lots of options... You can then replace that in time when you prefer something different. Then add a bit of personality with a couple of nice framed prints that reference your blind pattern, add a couple of fresh hand towels and it should look really fresh!

Dear Mandy, my advice is to first check with your local council regulations on facades, and new builds for what the rules are in your area. Taking a look at the proposed location/street also can give you an idea of whats do-able, as you will need to make the building at least 2 stories high to accomplish your idea. Some councils/streets do not allow 2 + stories to be built unless a precedent has already been set in the same street/neighbourhood. If you do not yet own a plot of land for the build, make sure you check those facts before purchasing. Provided the former has been accepted by council, you will still need to meet Australian standards for ceiling heights, floor heights, etc and an Architect can give some great advice there and create some plans for you. To make a Warehouse feel cosy you will need to consider warm materials such as wood, and textiles such as rugs or wall treatments to create warmth and a feeling of cosiness. Best of Luck, PARS Building Construction

I wouldn't give up on doing something about those downlights. Either remove at least half of them or paint the ceiling darker to hide them. They make the room look as if it has an illness and your ceilings are high enough to tolerate the colour. In order to make your room suit you, work out how you use it most and make " rooms" with your furniture. It has to suit your lifestyle and your taste. Remember furniture doesn't need to be against a wall. Personally I hate texture. I don't like the look of it or the feel of it, so I don't use it and I don't care what suits other people. You need to be able to sit in your room and wherever you look should please your eye. I think the curtains are a good idea, but they needn't be sheer. If they are a solid plain colour you can pull them back by day unless you need them to keep the sun out and close them at night for privacy. If you don't need curtains and you just want the doors to look better then go for sheers. Good luck. Trial and error will help you sort it out.