At this stage I would just keep attacking on the path your on. I think that right now the brick is too much but when you start to add detail, like plants, furniture, you will be happy you did nothing. You can always decide later.

I know exactly what you mean as I find I have a similar feeling whenever I visit a busy cafe that has polished concrete floors, when there hasn't been enough thought put into the acoustic design of the space. I would look at similar spaces (such as cafes with concrete floors) to see which ones work, and why they work. I discovered one cafe that had upholstered the underside of the timber seats to help with the reverberation issue, which was a solution that was right outside the box. I have also worked with acoustic engineers that specialise in architectural acoustics on client's projects. I would suggest that you consider engaging one to work in conjunction with your designer to be sure that your big investement will work for you. The area is fairly specialised, and while many designers have a general idea of the principles, an acoustic engineer will be able to provide some certainty (and your peace of mind) with some science. Best of luck, Dr Retro

My first thought -- the picture ! It detracts from what you are trying to achieve IMO -- move it to another wall . Or another room . Put some vases there . Family pics . The TV . That is my next thought -- the TV should be where the picture is . Yes , there is the fire below . Yes , heat rises . But if you can hang a painting there , you can probably hang a TV there . Although there is a temptation to just swap the picture and TV , I think the picture will still distract . A non-landscape picture may look better , but that one is almost competing with the TV . The frame . The colours . In my mind , you either don't have a TV in a room , or you make it part of the concept -- you have basically done that with the picture , the TV is now a 'nothing' . A poorly executed nothing IMO . But another option if you are wanting the TV to stay where it is -- move it to your bedroom . Or sell it . Get a bigger TV , and mount it a bit higher and equi-distant on that wall -- it looks too low , too far to the right , and although maybe a bit small , the positioning makes it worse . Make it look like it was planned , not planned to fail .

Actually, your style isn't really very scandi in my opinion. It's industrial and rustic. I'd match recycled and chunky timbers with the concrete, a timber with rich reds. There is a company near me that makes plywood panels with recycled wood veneer attached. They're too far for you but might give you some ideas for a feature wall. I'd start with a few tins of paint and some colour actually. you'd be surprised what that can do! I'm fixing, well technically my second home but with our first we figured fairly quick it wasn't a forever home and didn't do anything personal with it. So this is our first "home" if not our first house. i getya! I know everyone seems to love white walls, but after years of bland rentals the first thing I wanted to do was paint colours all over the walls! Anything but white! Paint is cheap and a safe place to start testing your design flair. Go and paint a bunch of sample tins onto the walls and don't stress too much about the perfect look. start with what you like and find what suits that. A colour that makes you smile when you see it. I've paid about $10 a sample tin. like others said, don't do anything with the carpets yet, you can throw a rug over it if its too boring and it will look fine. There are so many things that I first thought I needed to completely change, then as I painted and freshened and tidied up I realised were not needed a huge reno. Our house was a bit of a wreck though, not a nice new apartment so things just literally needed cleaning and fixing. Put up some pictures, art, photos you like too. Honestly, I know everyone's being funny about getting a girlfriend and getting her to decorate, but actually I think it's great you've got your own taste and want to decorate. I think anyone you bring home would love seeing more of your personality around the place. Check out some garage sales and buyswap sell and auctions for rustic timber pieces for your home. Maybe a nice pipe and timber bookshelf in the lounge instead of an entertainment unit? https://www.northernriverstimber.com.au/