This is really becoming very interesting Linda, maybe things are different here too. Take for example when I called people to quote on my bathroom renovation - the first two guys I called were loosely described as builders in that they had served apprenticeships and were qualified carpenters (or chippies as we call them). They would take on any structural work in a home, even do extensions and build completely new homes. They do all the basic structural work and then, in our case, call in licenced plumbers, electricians and qualified tilers. If new walls are necessary, as was the case in our ensuite, they will call in qualifed plasterers to do this work. The third guy and the one we used described himself as a bathroom renovator as he was a qualified tiler but he had years of experience to do basic building work as well and then called in other trades. He even used a specialist demolisher to gut the bathrooms as they had all the tools to do the work cleanly and quickly in one day. All the tradespeople have done courses and apprenticeships and are licenced and if you have any sense you don't use anyone without checking their licence first. For this reason, I would consider anyone, like Sir David and Kutchie and even yourself with your vast experience to be able to advise on structural issues that are pretty much black and white and things that have to be done for correct and safe building practices. On the other hand, designers or decorators, no matter what their qualifications are only giving an opinion on furniture style, colour schemes, furniture placement, etc, things that aren't black and white but are a personal preference thing. I note many of them come on strong with colour schemes having absolutely no idea of the climate or lighting or aspect in a room that can make a huge difference to the finished result and it really surprises me that as professionals, they always miss this. When dilemmas are on structural or building issues, I never comment simply because it is something the average person would know nothing about - the only time I have commented is when I have had a similar problem and I can state how it was handled and the result, successful or otherwise. Decorating, on the other hand is something anyone with an eye for detail can join in on and these are the dilemmas where I feel the Pro could be intimidating. It is bad enough when they come back with the "I'm a pro so I'm right" without having a "Read my Title" attitude as well. As far as I am concerned there are no REAL rights and wrongs in decorating anyway where building practices are another thing completely. I'm glad you got a Pro anyway, we certainly value you here.

Unfortunately susan_ 66 there is colour is psychologically and historically related either way, and dark blues re more often not considered masculine when building an interior. I worked in a design centre where much time was spent picking apart colour association, and used it to help market the products in imagery. There are feminine blues ofcourse, but my comment specifically mentioned indigo and low chroma colours, which are toned. With black and greys, and I used the phrase 'added masculinity' referring to the boldness and strength of colour they bring to soft and delicate colours of blush and peach. Just from that you can see how colour is associated, bold and strength= male, and soft and delicate = female. it is what it is. In my example, ie an interior, I meant it to be masculine. Baby blue I wouldn't have thought was masculine, but is a gender specific typically only when there are two options. Pink or blue!

Hi Kruti. Those new pieces are lovely. There’s a houzz article in Stories about how to decorate a console table. If you select Stories, then Interior Design, then Decorating, and then type ‘how to decorate a console table,’ in the window, the article should pop up. I think you will find it very helpful.

the house may be very modern but there is classic elements to mirrored furniture and a daybed in itself. So far I would describe this style as classic contemporary luxe. Shaker doors can be very contemporary in the right setting. Either go for the same colour as your walls or a couple of shades darker, because the doors are seperate from each other I wouldn't go dark. Consider either chrome or black handles. In your scheme texture is very important as it is monochrome, the risk is looking flat. Make sure the linen you choose has some texture to it to contrast the chrome frame, like the above or linen. Get velvet black euro cushions and a black velvet cushion for the chaise. https://missamara.com.au/collections/rugs/products/suong-stone-white-tribal-diamond-pattern-rug This room will start to feel like a high end hotel which will be lovely for your guests.