Hi there, Your couches are gorgeous. Just quickly, I’d swap the dining table and two single yellow arm chairs. Then I’d rotate the table 90 degrees if possible. I think if I were going to make any furniture purchases I would first replace all the dark furniture (dining table and bench seats) with white furniture to help bounce some light around. Dark furniture absorbs light like crazy. Thoughts on the kitchen reno would be to keep the bench top and splashback white and then accent with yellow and black. Timber usually softens and warms a space so maybe something like that for the cabinetry but timber isn’t the only finish to provide that feel. This leads into my next thought that white, black and deep yellow can appear quite harsh so maybe some some soft furnishings like some fluffy pillows and rug and a couple of throws might help bring some gentleness and cosy-ness into the space. All the best with it and love to see what you do with the space.

The traditional solution is to introduce lots of soft furnishings like rugs, curtains and plush sofas. There are also padded acoustic panels that are commonly used in noisy cafes (often fitted to the ceiling) which help with cafe noise. There are also perforated plasterboard acoustic sheets, and acoustic plywood panels if are happy to do some building work. Engaging an acoustic engineer will help if you want to approach the problem scientifically. Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

thank you all for your suggestions... meme - the front room currently doesn't get used for a few reasons a) it's only me in the house b)family room gets more sun and natural light c) family room looks out to the garden/courtyard which is a nicer view than the lounge which looks down the drive way (i'm back section of a duplex). I have contemplated the idea of moving dining room to family and using lounge as tv room but as it's just currently me it's nice to have the sun flowing in the family room whilst sitting on the couch and reading a book/watching tv (both rooms are deceptively small - i think wide angle camera used in the promo photos) oklouise - again I think the photo makes the rooms appear larger than they are - I have attached some more photos of the family room for you. I have considered moving the door way to the hall as it is in an awkward position for furniture layout (although I'm not sure the room would accommodate the furniture as you have placed it). Another thing that I should mention is that I'm planning to add a door way to the garage from the kitchen, as I currently walk to the sliding doors to gain entrance to the house. The door will be in the position you have the fridge or even next to it in the far corner - which would still work in your plan. Dr Retro House Calls - I think for me I do like the open plan living (no children yet.) I'm not sure the house would be big enough for a family with teenagers (the 3rd room is very small.) In terms of keeping kitchen tidy - no i'm a very messy cook but it's quickly cleaned up by putting most things in the dishwasher/sink (also I would hope my friends and family wouldn't judge me on the state of my kitchen - and if they did I wouldn't be bothered by it :)) I guess if it was for me then I would go ahead and open plan everything to let as much light in as possible, but also I do need to be aware of resale at some stage (but people are either going to like it or not no matter what you do) Kate - I hadn't thought of that idea - I guess making it smaller would turn it into a min theatre room or reading room? Siriuskey - Interesting suggestion - I'm not sure how the placement of furniture would work in the family room, but I think I need to get past my fear of placing furniture in the middle of a room.

This article may help https://www.decoraid.com/blog/interior-design-style/eclectic-style/