OK... final grasp at a straw - your set of chairs for when they are not visiting, and when extended family come over, bring out fold out chairs with washable slipcovers? I know how difficult it is when you want to have a room that you like but you are having to adapt it for just for the one-off occasions and not as you would like it ideally. Perhaps that might work so you get what you want (most of the time!)

Hi Blufitch, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The four coffee tables are lovely, but I would probably opt for one of the two top ones. That being said, check the measurements first as these round tables might be significantly larger than your existing Ikea table. Re the potted plant, a taller one would be better, or you can put this one on a plant stand or even on a ceramic stool. But if you feel a mirror would be too much due to your mirrored splashback, leave the plant as it is and hang a framed print above the plant. It doesn't need to be big, but it's important that it s not too small so it doesn't look too "lost" on the wall. It's hard for me to judge the size from here, but a 70x40 frame might be ok. You could have only the yellow canvas above the couch, but you would have to bring in a few more brightly-coloured cushions or throw onto the couch, to compensate for the empty wall. Alternatively, you could also hang a large mirror above the couch. If you decide to do this, I think it would be best to move the canvas back to where it was, and hang the mirror in front of the window, so it reflects the natural light around and gives more depth to the room. The large Ikea Stave mirror (in white stained oak) is very reasonably priced and would work great. Just double check it fits first (it's 70x160)! Tell us how yo go! All the best, Nelly / Twinkle and Whistle

Two of these, stressless chairs, one either side of the bay window they are totally comfortable, not cheap, friends have them for reading and tv watching, in that position, they usually only watch tv at night, and love to read in natural light. They would certainly go with you to the next house and will fit in anywhere. Put the tv opposite, with the ottoman off centre. Small retro table in between chairs. Move the big pictures currently on the tv wall to either side of the fireplace. Heaps of carpet lying space. Rug once you have finalised the furniture locations and colours nip out and get a thin silk/wool oriental kilim Easy to take with you.

It all depends on how much money you would like to spend. As your lounge is dark and your stools and bookcase are also dark I think white chairs would be fine, but then I would change the stools as well and take some white down to the lounge area. However you can buy stretchy covers for this style of chair for around $10 and there is quite a variety, so I would look on line for those to see if you like any of them as that would be a very easy fix.