I love the splash of bright colour in the Swannies kitchen, the other kitchen looks a bit subdued, I guess that is Melbourne for you! Sydney has always been about colour when it comes to fashion. Melbourne tends to sway more to the dark side. By the way I absolutely love Melbourne and would move there in a heartbeat (thought I'd better add that in).

You asked for ideas for above your side table (which I think is gorgeous). A large oblong, white or silver-framed mirror would look amazing, either hung on the wall, or simply resting on the table top. Those two cute frames could be hung on the short wall to the right of the table. Pity you're going to change the curtains, I love them and think they suit the space well.

Hi guys.... Thanks for all comments! The colonial windows are timber so difficult to change without huge expense. There is also lace work on the verandah and balcony, And decorative octagonal window difficult to see in the photo. The front doors are traditional with etched glass inserts. We have formal and informal areas in the house - the front rooms have antiques etc. so more traditional formal areas but rear family and kitchens, and outdoors is more contemporary. We kind of like the gracious look of the house so don't want to screw it up with a bad "try hard" render - plenty of these around. What we are trying to achieve is staying true to the original feel but with some freshening up, and making the most of its street presence. The house is really solid - it was the builders own home when built in 1978.

I've seen a few sliders painted with blackboard paint - they're so fun and mobile, if there's a hall door somewhere it might be an option as they muffle sound rather than seal it out. KRAKEN WHALE FIGHT! If it's childlike dreams you want to be added to the house, maybe do a kiddy-height connecting door between the kids' rooms or a little message chute they can send back and forth, pigeon holes to send letters to each other or some crazy options like your hidden door in a more public area like the front entertaining space. There are so many ways to add whimsy that can be fixed up and removed later on if yall need. If the kids are smol: Kids only door or Door in a door There's an amazing episode of Grand Designs with a couple of superfun ideas Scooby Doo House that made me realise hidden doors and revolving shelves are better for playrooms than bedrooms.