Have you heard of quartz carpet? It is a composite of quartz aggregate and resin, uv resistant no fade, soft underfoot, seamless indoors or outdoor use and can be installed over existing concrete floor, ply etc so evening a miss matched floor is easy. Mid century have some stunning leftovers like large elongated space, timber detailing and panelling and innovative material application for their time. When we restore them today often in respect to them we more often upgrade these innovAtions while still feeling at home. Remember cork floors, they felt great, insulated well and laid easily, but look outdated now, Quartz carpet has that same feel, but much sexier! evolution surfaces website can help. Their polished concrete veneer is also interesting. Good luck. ML Design

For me, it would be colour. Maybe a feature wall for walls around dining, or living, pick colour from your favoured painting, and use same and other colours from pictures for cushions or even some occasional furniture in the brightest colour - I saw this done beautifully in a tarted up house for display - a small seat/coffee table painted and upholstered in an orange mix, which was taken from the splashback (everything else was neutral) and also in a throw for lounge.

Hi Renai, oklouise is on the money with her advice......there's one thing to have a floor plan resolved to your needs appropriately isolated, but there is the equally important (I believe) aspect that the building works correctly/appropriately to your particular site/context.....there is a huge issue in this country with off the shelf plans being plonked willy nilly on (any) blocks....just because they technically "fit" doesn't mean that they are that suitable......try and think about your home in that space is not just the internal rooms....the spaces you live in are a combination/blend of both indoor and outdoor areas and this relationship and connection to site if identified/acknowledged and factored into the planning will yield a a much higher quality living experience overall for you and your property/home investment ...so perhaps keep and open mind and perhaps start with your goals and also be conscious of your block and how you can make the most out of it and it's particular qualities....the other thing is, (and trust me from years of assisting couples on this stuff ;) it about BOTH of you doing this step by step - you & hubby walking the journey together..... and my last point is that it's not about perfection, it doesn't exist....rather it's about understanding this is all about balance and compromise over various aspects, the trick is to focus on the aspects that are most important to you and be willing to compromise on the lower priorities... It's always good to have some room to move/flexibility with the process and your expectations in various areas, because this is ultimately where the biggest challenges lie with any project......all the best with it :) PD

Hi Andrew, I think you are asking what type of timber you can use to match your floors. You may like to consider either Karri, ( or Spotted Gum, Nyatoh or Tasmanian Blackwood) as these are readily available hardwood timbers in this varigated tone and grain pattern you have. It is also worth noting that Timbers that start out with red in them also actually fade over time to turn this nutty colour. Once you decide on a spiecies, your Cabinet Maker may also be able to hand pick colours to get the closest match. Hope this helps; regards Malcolm.