Hardwood is still a great option and will last for decades if maintained. It would still be my first choice. In particular if it does suit the existing house. The new composites like Millboard, Inex, both look good once down. The Inex for example gets stained (or painted) like a standard timber but the product is a bit like a fibre cement so is almost unaffected by moisture. How long will they last.... well they are quite new to the market.....

Yes, I was hoping that they would post photo on here, as they have a lot of beautiful bathrooms on this site, but it is a recent one, so they havent posted yet and I think they will be closed over this period, when a lot of sales are on...I have sold my car yesterday and so now have the funds to finally get my bathroom reno progressed...yay!

From what you have said, I think smaller separate pieces such as couch and chair(s) rather than a large sectional is likely to work better in the space and still allow for traffic flow. However, if you still have lots to do then don't rush to make large purchases. In the meantime, if your current sectional looks better pulled away from the wall a bit, then perhaps you could rotate the side table so that the long side runs parallel with the sofa arm instead of the wall. Would that help to stop it blocking the doorway and resolve the 'not quite right' placement?

I love the wood . Its the rest that needs the work IMO -- particularly the carpets . Nice in themselves , but very dated . Also its a bit hard to tell the exact tones because of the lighting being on , but I suspect the white of the walls is too white , but also I personally don't like the walls and ceiling being done the same tone either . The roof and mouldings I'd keep in a sharp white , the walls I'd go an English white or Spanish white or even a slightly reddish tinge ( but not pink if that makes sense ) to reference the warmth of the timber . In fact , that's probably a lie -- I'd be more likely to wallpaper -- the bedroom in say light yellow flowers on an offwhite paper , and the carpet would work then ; the lounge in a burgundy and gold striped paper would be the schizz haha , and again the carpet may even live another couple of years !