Hi K.T., Huge house with a lot of potential! You can consider yourself lucky :) Agreed, it would be better to swap the "lounge" and "dining" areas, just because it seems to make more sense to have the dining table next to the kitchen. You could then use the other space and have a large rug, a sofa or two, coffee table, etc. I particularly like the corner that the "laundry" room creates on the lounge. You could have an art wall, or a reading corner, and add personality to your space. You mention that the kitchen is quite modern, do you want to continue with the modern look in the lounge, or would you like to go for a different style? We offer a very affordable online interior design service, so we could work with you if you are interested. We would discuss your ideas with you and put a scheme together that brings the best out of them. By sending you a moodboard with all the elements we can help you to visualise the space. You will also get a shopping list with options to fit your budget. We are not linked to any suppliers so our recommendations would be tailored to you. Let us know if you are interested. We could design your lounge for 60$. www.lucianasanchez.com

Hi Dr. Retro, Thanks for your reply . We are very happy for our home and can’t wait to move in. At the moment, it’s just an empty shell and we will buy furniture piece by piece to fill up the house slowly.x I have been learning a lot about home decor and furniture arrangement from the internet lately! Can you comment on my floor plan in the picture? Is this how you would put the corner lounge in the living room?

Hello Maria, AAHH the old L shape lounge/ dining that NEVER worked! It was always just a walk thru with no where to place furniture. Blocking off to the kit is a good start. How to use the space is entirely up to you and what you like to do, want to do, have lots of folks in the home needing to do? How many live there? which way is north, would you like a pantry or bigger/newer kitchen? What happens in the rest of the plan? All bedrooms used or would you like an ensuite: I have seen this arrangement changed into a master, robe and ensuite very successfully. Personally I could fill it with book shelves, a very comfy chair, rug and table for cuppa and you would never hear a peep out of me again!! But it is a long way to the kettle: maybe a door would help! a little more info would bee good please.... Is the area outside the kitchen to the left of pix above a social area: could this open onto that? I'm sorry too many questions but it is the best way to get it right for you! Cheers Margot

Thankyou everyone for your suggestions and recommendations.. really helps having someone(s) to bounce this off - other than my husband who couldn't care less. The timber floorboards and fresh paint/curtains we have going in will (hopefully) make the room feel more modern and 'like us' but I need to get hunting for a rug/rugs to pull the spaces together with some of the recommendations you've made. One thing I still find weird, is the chairs facing away from the fireplace. Am I over thinking it? I guess it's also weird if they face away from the TV. The one's pictured are definitely not my style so will find something new that looks a little more welcoming. @oklouise - hadn't considered flipping it over - i guess we'll have to have a play when we get in to see what reduces glare and how long our current couch goes down the wall. I'd prefer not to have a couch or tv cabinet across the window but will do it if it makes the most sense :-) @HU-640108217 The pendant lighting is definitely going, and the mirror etc aren't ours (they were staging furniture) so will replace them with things that are more our style. We have a lot of natural timber and white, as well as some colourful framed prints that will help give it some more life. @Julie Herbert really love those pieces you've picked out (more my style). I'm going to properly measure the room up when we settle on Friday, as I like the idea of a couch with a chaise... but will just have to see if I can do that without obstructing the walking space. @Davincicalbourne your round rug idea would help too with the second space. @christine46639 - I had considered the TV there, but it's too large so I think it'll stay where it is. We actually already have a smaller, mid-century tv cabinet that will hopefully be a better fit. The alternative tall plant between the fireplace and the window will be a Christmas tree at first - but really like this idea so will find a replacement after the holidays.