Id have Raised planter boxes put in around the outside of our yard so my mother in-law doesn't have to spend hours on the ground with a bad back to do the gardening!..

Second attempt was with Windex and same paper towel, which cleaned the two honed surfaces up pretty well. The lighter Raw Concrete seems to have been easier than the Sleek Concrete. And finally, to get rid of that pot scratch I used a non-scratching Scotch brite pad (what we usually use on dishes) with some diluted Soft Scrub. This one took a little more elbow grease but I'm satisfied with the results. My opinion is that comparing the two surfaces (honed vs. glossy) there is a marked difference. That being said, I currently have tile from 1978 and grout lines that are so deep and narrow I have to scrub them out with a toothbrush. I guess it's all a matter of perspective. We decided to go with the Raw Concrete after all, and like others have said, just expect that it'll take a little more work and show a few more stains. But then again, isn't that the whole point of concrete? That it looks industrial? I hope this has helped someone. If anyone is interested I'll try to post some more photos and real life feedback in a couple of weeks once ours is installed.

From what you have said, I think smaller separate pieces such as couch and chair(s) rather than a large sectional is likely to work better in the space and still allow for traffic flow. However, if you still have lots to do then don't rush to make large purchases. In the meantime, if your current sectional looks better pulled away from the wall a bit, then perhaps you could rotate the side table so that the long side runs parallel with the sofa arm instead of the wall. Would that help to stop it blocking the doorway and resolve the 'not quite right' placement?

A slightly off-the-wall suggestion -- remove the wall on the 'right' of the lounge , so you incorporate the hallway into the lounge . Add a door between the entry and the lounge -- if your plan is accurate , there may have been one there at some stage ? This 'closes off' the front 2 bedrooms , they become what I call 'kids rooms' -- you can still entertain or even just watch TV when they have gone to bed . You also have a toilet for guests ( in fact , a whole bathroom to share ) , although it's not ideal for the 3 existing bedrooms , but workable , unless you are a big entertainer . This may not be possible , but in my head I'd then remove the wall between the lounge and dining ( reading your replies , this may be load bearing , but just an idea ) . So you then have a large kitchen/dining/lounge/family -- sort of 4 in one . Maybe even move the 'middle' wall along the kitchen and dining to the right by 1.5 metres ? And of course , move the laundry to the rear porch area , and what do you have ? Yes , a new Master , with the toilet already there , add a bath/shower/basin . No addition needed , but I certainly accept it has a few compromises and assumptions , and may not be possible , but might get your thoughts moving outside the obvious ?