Also have a dual purpose room. We did inexpensive white shelving units around two walls, with fabric boxes to stash stuff, (office, and my "crafty" supplies), threw in a few decorative items. Got a tall basket for rolled up mats/foam roller storage, a complementary lower basket to throw in the requisite elastic bands, small hand weights, etc. Decorated walls with pics from our travels, framed with colored mats.

Check out the @TImNeve Sandcastles book, reviewed on Houzz for many fantastic ideas on beach styling. His bohemian and islander styles show ways that incorporate flowers.

Hi there I think that adding in wooden decorations and real/fake plants can help bring a bit of life in to your space. And the tones of plants and wooden/nature looking items work really well with neutral colours. They can be both cheap and expensive depending on your taste so finding a bargain or something to suit your needs should be quite easy. If you want a more elegant look marble decorations even if small can be a great way to add a look of class. Candles are also a great way to add in some nice smells to invite people into your home. Keep in mind that sometimes less is more. Don't overdo it and have some fun! It's nice to shop for your home.

Hi Tania, Congratulations on getting this far, It can be so baffling to take a project on by yourself, furnishings and design. I believe a monochromatic colour scheme is always interesting when pairing black, greys and whites with different textures. Black is one of the few colours that actually matches with everything, It is the most versatile of colours. Any style, including scandinavian, industrial contemporary or mid-century modern can incorporate black into the colour scheme so whatever style you choose will work fantastic and timelessly. If you so wish, have a peek over on my page. It is a sanctuary to black and white and prints of most works are available. Q1. Recommendation on artprint/artwork (of course I'll suggest my own works ;) they work equally well in both living areas and bedrooms as they have no loud colour scheme, however the 'Spheres' work are particularly soothing in a bedroom area. http://www.houzz.com.au/projects/1700859/contemporary-black-and-white-large-scale-charcoal-artwork http://www.houzz.com.au/projects/1967180/new-series-spheres-grids Q2. How many art print to hang above the couch or bed? depending on the size of the works you choose, one in a landscape layout above the bed of a series of three may work equally as well. Q3. A suitable colour scheme (pillows for sofa, prints) monochromatic, greys, whites and blacks like I mentioned above mixed with various textures and a soft pastel pallet for cushions etc. Good Luck Tania and be sure to post photos afterwards! Miriam :)