Hi, thanks all and apologies, all my mail went into the junk folder so I didn't see the comments. Yes I used the Annie Sloan chalk paint in graphite with black wax. As it was my first attempt I was very nervous. First I'd tried staining it with minwax polyshades - epic disaster! So I had to sand that down a bit as it was quite glossy and the Annie Sloan didn't stick. Anyway the lady in the shop Said to put clear wax on before the black wax which I did on the top but later I forgot and did black first by mistake and actually preferred that - so you can really muck around with it. I'm so pleased you all like it, my mother was very unimpressed and said she preferred it as it was but oh well, we like it. The paint is a cinch but the waxing takes quite a bit of elbow grease and not a small amount of lint-free rags (especially with black wax) and is quite expensive. Bill attached. Brush I will use again but used all the paint and almost all the wax. Still - Much cheaper than something new. I'm a bit nervous about tackling the large coffee table but I figure I can always sand it down again. The other option is a dark brown/black rub on stain called Java by General Finishes which I can get from the US by Amazon. It says it's the closest to the ikea brown/black Colour what ch could be good. I have another side table so I might try it on that one for a different room and then decide which looks best... Decisions decisions! May end up doing my awful but comfy walnut bed suite in the French Linen chalk pain half strength. I just hate it so much - it's so heavy and dated. Then I can add some nice pictures and make the room 'something'. Thanks for all the compliments - made my day!!

Mwenji sorry I can't tell you where the art is from... was a Pinterest image... but the Designer Boys Collection have some lovely series artworks... don't know if they sell to the public but I'm sure if you scroll through their social media (instagram below) and see something you like you can comment and ask where locally you can order and/or purchase... hope this helps :)

Hi CP and thank you! Your comment and suggestion is not controversial at all, but raises interesting design points. They are not shutters, but timber louvres. They can be raised and lowered as 1/2 panels- 2 per each window. When they are “open” it’s straight out to the deck and the elements. IE no glass Windows behind- just screens to keep out the insects. As the home is in the tropics, and currently it’s steaming hot and the humidity level is sky high too- in order to keep the room fully Air Conditioned (for now) it’s necessary to keep the louvres fully closed. So- it’s “either/or” with this window style, as they are not “traditional” windows. That’s why there is the glass door to the balcony and the skylights in the ceiling- to let in natural light in the summer steamy season. The only months we don’t need A/C are winter months here, which is June- September aprox. In those months when excessive heat has gone, I can open everything and there is a beautiful view out to the tropical rainforest vegetation and trees. Then, it indeed looks as though there are no window “treatments” as I can raise all the louvres. I once (years ago) got a quote to put in more normal windows, but the cost was exorbitant and besides, I felt it was ultimately the wrong thing to do as it would take away the unique character of this pole house. Tomorrow when it’s light, I can post some photos of all the louvres raised just to give you an idea.

Many thanks for all the helpful suggestions. I was really keen to move the sofa forwards off the window but my husband doesn't like it in this position. I have finally settled on a coffee table nest similar to your suggestion @julie Herbert  Order online so fingers crossed I like it when I see it!! The hunt for a rug continues, that textured one is beautiful do you know where it's from or any ides where I can find one similar