Hi ASVInteriors, I think you forgot to attach a link to the Ikea chairs (would love to see which ones you meant :) The only worry I have with moving the sofa closer to BR2 wall is that it might block the flow from the entrance through to the large-ish hallway (where it has tall bookcases domintaing one wall and an Ikea 4x2 Expedit uni on the other wall) into the living room (see the plan). But maybe it would work? I should try to move it around a bit. At the moment eh sofa is moved onto the 344cm wall temporarily, with the coffee table in front it. Not sure if it shows up in the pictures well but we have quite a large 6 seaters dining table in the kitchen, which is placed fairly close to the carpet area. I would say that the distance between the back of the closest chair (tucked in, not when pulled out), on one end of the table, to the edge of the carpet area is only 20cm. By moving the sofa closer to the BR2 wall, and with the diving wall between kitchen and hallway being there, it may close the flow? Hmmm...I am not a designer so sometimes I can't visualise it first, maybe I should try to move it around a bit. I did try to move the sofa closer to the BR2 wall and felt a bit claustrophobic of how little space (on carpet area) is left at the back of the sofa. Definitely have to think seriously about getting a large ottoman :)

Hi @Lindel, The easy answer to your question e-screens. Can you put screens in front of the windows in the other gabled half of your frontage (where you have the drapes)? - You may not be able to coordinate with the blue screens in the dining room. If this is the case, then you might consider sacrificing them to the cause. It would also open up your choices with regard to selection of fabrics for the Romans. The relative cost of e-screens is fairly minor and will be more than offset by the wow effect of the statement you'll make with some nice Romans, and at the same time provide a uniform exterior projection across your entire house frontage. I'd strongly suggest 'pelmets' with the Roman Treatments. Yes. - It will add to the overall cost but it really would tie it all in. I would suggest you do not have your Roman's and pelmets in the same fabric. There are many coordinated fabrics as options from reputable Australian suppliers. Do the job properly with someone who will custom make Traditional Soft Roman's (as opposed to 'Hard Roman's' aka Casual Romans, Beach Blinds. If not within budget today better to wait; than to settle for second best. Properly lined custom made Romans + e-screens with pelmets, are going to save you on heating costs. (I have them through my own house, replacing some pre-existing verticals and it did make a big difference to my comfort in winter and $$$ saved on my heating bill). Here's an example of a Soft Roman with a single pelmet tying the treatments across three windows together: Above: Traditional Soft Roman Blinds (Lined) with a single pelmet tying the three windows together. Treatment variation: 4 pelmets completing the treatments for 4 windows. Alternatively, depending on the spacing between your windows, three separate pelmets could be used (marginally more cost - fabric for the returns/sides). Personally, I would go for a straight pelmet box for a more formal projection (rather than concave edged pelmets pictured above in your space). Pelmets can also be varied in fascia depth and depending on the height of the window. I would suggest min 20, 25 or maximum 30cm height. Ours look great with 20cm fascias. - Go for 'coordinated' rather than same fabric, to really set it off, along with high quality flange cord trim. You'll find a lot of the images that come up in your 'Roman Searches' from Oz, 'land' you on US Treatment search results; most of which are unlined and tend to have that 'saggy' look. You'll find more images of Traditional Soft Roman's raiding the photo archives of the Houzz sites in Europe. (although there are a number of excellent images here here on Houzz Oz). We recommend Warwick Fabrics, Charles Parsons, James Dunlop (Mokum/Pegasus), Nettex. Jump on their websites, view their collections. In most cases you will be able to order cuttings at no charge. - You'll be able to touch and feel and see how they will look in your home. Don't rush. Take your time as getting it right contributes greatly to the impact and projection of the vision you realise for the overall room. Above: Another example of a soft roman but without pelmets. It suits well in this interior, top-fixed to the ceiling (which would not be the case in your room). The above image also lacks the formal projection (or at least 'transitional') that you need for your space. In the above image, it is also worth noting that when viewed closer-up the head-rail is far more noticeable, and given the proximity of your windows to the dining table, far better covered over by pelmet(s). You will literally 'warm the cockles' of your dining guest's hearts during winter with the extra insulation that pelmets add to the treatment. Finally, this from Charles Parsons via the Window Coverings Association of Australia (WCAA) may prove enlightening: Energy Savings - Window Fact Sheet (via WCAA) All the best and do make sure you post the before/after shots, whatever solution you land on. Nancy.

Hi Soshu, Megan from Bluethumb online art gallery here. I agree that you could open up the space by removing those boxy units above the TV. I would also think that because it's such a dark room, adding a mirror somewhere could help brighten up the space. I'd also suggest adding white or teal sheer curtains instead of the blockout blinds for a softer, brighter look. You've also got a great opportunity to add some artwork with that empty wall behind the couch there. Since you've already chosen an accent colour of a teal blue, why not find an artwork that matches with your colour scheme? Artwork will really help to personalise the space, especially an original piece that you love. At the moment, it does feel a little impersonal. I'd suggest going with a showstopping piece that will generate conversation the moment people spy it. Some suggestions from popular Australian artists are: This gorgeous print by Indigenous artist Bradley Kickett, who was a finalist in our art prize this year: https://bluethumb.com.au/bradley-kickett/Artwork/burlong-pool-165976 Another print by another finalist from our prize, Renata Waterfall: https://bluethumb.com.au/renata-waterfall/Artwork/and-everything-else-is-still A large resin piece by popular artist, Annette Spinks: https://bluethumb.com.au/annettespinks/Artwork/deeper-series-crevices-2 Some other suggestions from some of our most popular artists: https://bluethumb.com.au/vanessa-mae/Artwork/coral-garden-vanessa-mae https://bluethumb.com.au/sharonmonagleart-com/Artwork/she-breathes-indigo-into-an-empty-sky https://bluethumb.com.au/sharonmonagleart-com/Artwork/and-then-you-were-gone https://bluethumb.com.au/dinah-wakefield/Artwork/oceans-embrace-7 https://bluethumb.com.au/alorna-co/Artwork/azurite We also have some fine art photography from contemporary Australian photographers, which can certainly have a huge impact: https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/hugh-hamilton/artwork/swan-lake-1-hugh-hamilton https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/matty-smith/artwork/new-pennies https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/alex-frayne/artwork/breaking-good https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/damien-drew/artwork/shima_river-gunma-2012 https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/damoscope/artwork/misty-morning-2-damian-seagar https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/martine-perret/artwork/le-lagon-bleu https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/pennyp/artwork/thalassophile I hope this helps! Let me know if you'd like any more suggestions.

The traditional solution is to introduce lots of soft furnishings like rugs, curtains and plush sofas. There are also padded acoustic panels that are commonly used in noisy cafes (often fitted to the ceiling) which help with cafe noise. There are also perforated plasterboard acoustic sheets, and acoustic plywood panels if are happy to do some building work. Engaging an acoustic engineer will help if you want to approach the problem scientifically. Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls