Fill it with pieces you love and learn to zone out what you can't change. Funnily enough we are having the opposite problem - about to move into a home we have created but still with the 'rental' stuff...it will be an adjustment. Have you seen [this[(https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/meet-my-houzz-the-coys-stsetivw-vs~60048479) Houzz story about living in a (albeit friendly landlord) rental? Perhaps that is the key - find a great landlord...?? Good luck. I love the concept of hygge - it exactly describes the kind of space I want to create at home and I can't wait to share it with my friends and family. Thanks so much for that link :)

My husband loves the ceiling only suggestions and also keeping the timber below the dado. I'm not as attached to all the wood and after a total revamp .... I had thought white ceilings and lime washing walls, but realised I'm after a brighter interior. I will have a look at different painted wall panelling. Definitely don't want to go from a wood overload to a white overload! MB you are so right choosing a white is the hardest part! I'll be in touch Milray Park. Thanks for the input and advice everyone!!

living in regional NSW i'm sorry to say that the cost for building "in the country" seems much more expensive than on the coast.... plans i've done for several friends on the coast have been about 20-30% cheaper to build than locally (transport costs. less competition and volume discounts?)...i suggest you check some of the building companies like Gardner, Beechwood, Rawson homes etc building in your area for a comparison price

Suggestions from neutral colours: https://www.dulux.com.au/colour/colour-trends/2018/essential Ceiling & walls the same colour is a good choice for square set. There will be subtle hue difference in various lighting situations anyway, which provides depth and makes for an interesting look.