Hi Hilda - I've looked at your photos very carefully and I understand that you need very hardy furnishings to withstand the fun and mess of dogs and children! A couple of suggestions I can think of that would help - How about moving the lounge you have along to the middle of the wall and bring it out from the wall so that a bookcase or shelving for toys, books and magazines can be put there? Also the coffee table is really big for the space, maybe a smaller round table that is child friendly (no nasty sharp corners). If your budget is big, a new leather corner lounge in beige leather would look fantastic ! I have dogs and kids and I have a WHITE leather lounge that really stands up to them! The area needs a rug. Don't forget that animal hides are HUGE at the moment and you might like them as you live in a farmhouse. As for extra seating, I think a couple of chairs either side of the centered lounge would be excellent. Think TV chairs that are very comfortable. Milan Direct is also a great source of furniture at reasonable prices and you can order online and have it delivered no matter where you live in Australia. Artwork is very personal but you need a big piece above the lounge and it would even up the TV on the opposite wall. I think green/beige or blue/beige/black geometric might be the color to introduce in cushions, artwork and rug - but you'll have to experiment - remember to look at the colors with the curtains open and closed as light plays a big part in how the colors will look in the room before you commit to buy - You are going to have so much fun making your room over! Good luck - Di Thomas

ok hubby tucked in bed now. where was i? this is gonna sound crazy, but i read this once and adored, just have not gotten enough jeans yet. a woven jeans rug! but not the old timey wrap in a circle type. This is like those pot holders we used to make on a loom...you know you go over and under, I can only find the pic on pinterest, and they won't let me download. I also like recycled leather like belts, maybe you could them as an edging. I would make my rug square I think. i am also constantly trying to come up with ideas for old ties. You get them cheap enough and they can be so cool. but you have to mix them with something?

Hi Vicki, Definitely paint the timber! As the owner of a 70's house that had pine cladding everywhere, I can assure you painting it all white makes a massive difference. Like you I had to do undercoats of Zinsser, but it's well worth the effort. When you're selecting a colour to paint it all, be aware that there is a big difference in brightness/ light even between white and pale yellow paint. Natural White is a great, neutral white colour. Do a test patch first though, because Natural White looked really dirty at my house which is very similar architecturally to yours - I ended up using Dulux 'Fair Bianca'. White walls and ceilings will make the room much brighter and more friendly until you have the funding to take your next steps. All the best, Sophie Winston Design Collaboration

Hi to everyone who replied with some really helpful suggestions. I have finally completed my lounge room and feel so happy and relieved! Please have a look at my after photos and let me know what you think. I rearranged and used what I already had at home so there was no extra cost (except for one cushion I bought). Thanks again!