This is really becoming very interesting Linda, maybe things are different here too. Take for example when I called people to quote on my bathroom renovation - the first two guys I called were loosely described as builders in that they had served apprenticeships and were qualified carpenters (or chippies as we call them). They would take on any structural work in a home, even do extensions and build completely new homes. They do all the basic structural work and then, in our case, call in licenced plumbers, electricians and qualified tilers. If new walls are necessary, as was the case in our ensuite, they will call in qualifed plasterers to do this work. The third guy and the one we used described himself as a bathroom renovator as he was a qualified tiler but he had years of experience to do basic building work as well and then called in other trades. He even used a specialist demolisher to gut the bathrooms as they had all the tools to do the work cleanly and quickly in one day. All the tradespeople have done courses and apprenticeships and are licenced and if you have any sense you don't use anyone without checking their licence first. For this reason, I would consider anyone, like Sir David and Kutchie and even yourself with your vast experience to be able to advise on structural issues that are pretty much black and white and things that have to be done for correct and safe building practices. On the other hand, designers or decorators, no matter what their qualifications are only giving an opinion on furniture style, colour schemes, furniture placement, etc, things that aren't black and white but are a personal preference thing. I note many of them come on strong with colour schemes having absolutely no idea of the climate or lighting or aspect in a room that can make a huge difference to the finished result and it really surprises me that as professionals, they always miss this. When dilemmas are on structural or building issues, I never comment simply because it is something the average person would know nothing about - the only time I have commented is when I have had a similar problem and I can state how it was handled and the result, successful or otherwise. Decorating, on the other hand is something anyone with an eye for detail can join in on and these are the dilemmas where I feel the Pro could be intimidating. It is bad enough when they come back with the "I'm a pro so I'm right" without having a "Read my Title" attitude as well. As far as I am concerned there are no REAL rights and wrongs in decorating anyway where building practices are another thing completely. I'm glad you got a Pro anyway, we certainly value you here.

Oh wow!!! Grover you are amazing, seriously amazing!!! Im in love with the white walls, everything just pops....but there is a small problem. The painting doesnt fit on the smaller wall, its far too big :( I had Jenns place saved on my ipad few months ago :) :) and I do like the wide white borders too. Happyasaclam - use thomy mayo in the salad, its the best. Merry christmas everyone.....we're already celebrating here in down under.

A few from horchow. If these are not in your price range, we can look for something that looks similar in a lower price point. http://www.horchow.com/Rowley-Chair-Chairs-Ottomans/cprod72870045_cat5720731_cat16060742_/p.prod?isEditorial=false&index=58&seoDesigner=&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat16060742cat5720731 http://www.horchow.com/Massoud-Leanna-Wing-Chair-Chairs-Ottomans/cprod100830032_cat5720731_cat16060742_/p.prod?isEditorial=false&index=21&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat16060742cat5720731 http://www.horchow.com/Massoud-Cartata-Wing-Chair/cprod91930035_cat5720731__/p.prod?eVar4=rvi&index=40&cmCat=rvi

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 .