I would be inclined to go with an unobtrusive light since it's the living room and anything too dramatic or a hanging pendant may interfere with your peripheral vision (or otherwise be an annoyance) when you're watching TV, etc. Also, being so near the sliding door, the wind may cause a hanging pendant to swing quite a bit which will cause the lighting to be constantly shifting and changing which I would personally find annoying. I'd go with something simple and subtle, but look at getting a tall standing lamp for the corner near the sofa (or possibly at the other end of the floating TV cabinet). In terms of warming up the apartment, I think you need something on the bare walls. A smaller picture above the floating TV cabinet will help to take the focus off your TV. A larger art work behind the sofa will also help to add some colour and personality, especially if it picks up some hues from your sofa. If you don't like the little Buddha statue, I would look at adding one or two other items that you do like (perhaps picking up colours from the wall art) and making a little vignette. A couple of colourful cushions and a storage solution for the wires, games console, etc on the floor would also help to bring everything together. Something as simple as a woven basket under the floating TV cabinet might help to keep the games console, etc in place unless it is in use.

Love the school canteen window. Two party pies and a Sunny Boy, please. Hi Mum.

Thank you robandlyn. I am definitely leaning towards the karndean especially for the kids. I might use it for a splashback?? hi the interior therapist. Thank you for your reply. The budget that was put into our build (by the builder) makes hardwood floors an extra $23k. Although the 600 x 600 are expensive to lay it still comes in at less than half the price including bathrooms. We had hardwood in our last house, I liked it but it scratched and dented with chairs and kids dragging their sandy bikes inside. i am worried that I will choose the tile and hate the cleaning and potential slippery accidents in summer but I worry about the look of karndean....... is it very plasticky? I have some samples but it's very hard to tell from such a small piece. Is the tile we have chosen too 'busy' for all areas? Maybe I have really bad taste and it's an ugly tile lol Thanks so much for all your help guys :)

Ta heaps, Jodes. 2 years post reno and we’re still lovin‘ it - it’s so practical and easy to clean. I’d have yours any day too btw. You’re lucky to have a sparkie on tap. We don’t. Our cabinet maker threw in the strip lighting. I thought it was a nice but unnecessary extra; something I wouldn’t have asked for. But like you, I’m so glad it’s there - no working in your shadow. It’s brilliant. An absolute must in any future kitchen reno now. The MW is good but a bit impatient - it beeps too much! We had a 20yr old Sharp carousel, so the new one was a bit of a tech leap. It‘s pretty easy to get used to. We use the combo function a lot, and the rice program does a great job. Wish it cleaned itself tho! Since seeing your fridge, I’ve been on alert every time ours makes a weird noise, hoping this is it - bang - ceased motor. New fridge! Keep us updated about your window coverings. It’s a lovely looking home. You and your hubby have done really well. :-)