I have just cleared out an area under the house - a small room at the back of the garage that connects to the laundry/come storage room on the other side - a bit hard to explain the layout, but it works perfectly now as a second office/study area that I am using to gather and sort literature for further study. It has a large filing cabinet, desk, sorting table and lots of shelving for pre-sorting piles of literature which I have accumulated so effortlessly over the years! It comes with window views out to the garden and lovely water glimpses (if I open the garage door) and is lovely and cool in summer. While it is well organised and tidy, I have deliberately left it fairly rustic (read 'man cave' like) as I don't want to feel like I need to be 'cleaning and tidying' while I am there. I have a stack of classical and choral music that I play while down there ... in between listening to the cricket in summer, of course! Some great names in here re what to call it .... perhaps my 'She Nook' or 'the Reading Room'

Even though the windows over are wonderful, the back pocket will feel the cost as they would be custom made, more expensive for the builders to install, but if casements, (open at side) that would make for great windows which catch the breezes, why anyone would want fixed windows is beyond me, the more we can open up a house and naturally ventilate it, the less you have to spend on air con, two angled windows need to be fixed. Any hot air over the opening part will sit in the ceiling space, but if you wanted to be even smarter, then i would consider the roof windows, which pivot and let the house ventilate totally, also like the cost comment with the windows over, these are expensive by it looks like you have the pitched ceiling inside, which would allow for the roof windows.

Glossy finishes have improved a lot over time. Fingerprints don't seem to be as much of an issue anymore,. except for the darker colours. I had white gloss in my last place and you couldnt really see any prints but everything wiped off soooo easy. A dream!

Yes to much larger rug and accent cushions in var,hinge colours, sizes & textures. Love the white sheers, striking floor lamp and large plants in raised pot stands. I also would be inclined to swap out the existing coffee table and side tables for glass-topped ones, a large circular & gold for coffee table, and either round or square side tables. I'm guessing the furniture is angled to take advantage of the view? It isn't welcoming as is so I would experiment with different arrangements. Where does that small pocket door lead? What is the room right behind the living room (where large door opening is)?