I agree with bringing the chairs in from the corners just a bit -- it will make the room seem larger; but I think the height of the prints is just right -- it makes that squat ceiling look higher by having space above the chairs, and you do not want to close this space. What's wrong is that they are too far apart -- balance the space between the corners and each print ~ in this case think in terms of visually-balanced fifths: wall-print-wall(including decal)-print-wall. It's the faux fire that's brining this room down (have you tried lowering it to the floor?), but Junipergirl is right ~ the room needs to be anchored, and the perfect rug would do that. I too would usually choose something traditional (that's my personal taste), but for this space, to harmonise styles, I would suggest something more modern, and something with texture as this room is texturally very flat. A shaggy white rug (seeing your husband insists on keeping those white walls, and in a space this size I am inclined to agree with him), with touches of the rose-pink echoed in the prints would anchor the whole scheme beautifully. I agree that the finishing touches of a table-lamp (think of that classic 'Ritz/Savoy' pleated shade, in white, with a gold-tone pedestal to match the print-frames, possibly on a very light-looking round Deco occasional table), and an indoor palm - something texturally variagated, not smooth - and I think this room will work very well ... it's much better than you seem to think Gov (I feel very Cockney saying that!), and all the features - except the heater - are good and work well together.

Spotted Gum is a great hard wearing timber with a Janka rating of 11. This means it is high density timber and won't dent as easily as softer timbers like American Oak. A polyurethane finish is the hardest and most durable timber floor coating and it comes in gloss satin and mat. The lower sheen's are more forgiving if you you have pets and young children. Bamboo is another hard product but only comes in short lengths so you would need to take that look into consideration when selecting. Some clients don't like the look of the short boards and consider it a cheap look. Others prefer the longer floor boards of timber. If you do choose bamboo make sure that you find out the coating used and whether it can be sanded and re coated down the track, as all timber and bamboo floors will need a touch up especially if you have pets. Some bamboo floors can not be sanded due the coating used. Hope this helps. Our website may offer some inspiration. Good Luck http://budgetfloorsanding.com.au/

Is this a new build or is there an existing fireplace? Do you want the fire for heating or aesthetics? If it’s for hearing is this your primary source of heating? Do you want an open fireplace or one that is enclosed like a wood heater? If it is to be used for heating then consider a wood heater, especially if it is your primary source of heating. They are much more efficient than an open fireplace. They can be freestanding or inserts installed into a fireplace. If you want an open fire and are more interested in the fire because of the aesthetics then consider a cast iron insert such as a jetmaster, which can be used in a fireplace of your choosen material, as long as it complies with building codes and fireplace regulations. They are much more efficient than a plain brick or concrete fireplace but less efficient than a wood heater. If you decide on an open fireplace, ensure that your chimney can be closed off when not in use or you’ll lose lots of heat up the chimney. Best of luck

Price check everything before deciding. Many people take too much advice from salespeople who want to sell you just what they have. A solid timber flooring isn't really that much more than a timber floating floor. I've found the cost difference is having the solid floor sanded and polished, oiled, etc. only. There is some quite expensive floating floor options and some really cheap ones. Buyer beware!