Apart from pulling the sofa forward so the sheers hang, and replacing the mirror with art to add colour, the room is fine. The shiny tiles will also inhibit it being “cozy” but they aren’t that bad. What is it about the look you don’t like? Have you saved a mood board or a look book with inspiration pics to show us where you’d like to end up? If you want mock ups Google Katrina Chambers for about $300/room she’ll do shopping list, layouts and mock ups. Otherwise show us your inspiration and we’ll see what we can help with.

I dont really have a mood board i just did a quick collage of some ideas but really have no idea to be honest. I did have a painting there originally but didnt like it lol. Would you have any links or examples of something that will suit the space? I'm stuck on colours and how to work with the tiles. I think there's too much grey and black I also am stuck on what chandelier to get

Hi Annabel, you said your partner made the table, are they going to make the joinery you’ve highlighted too? Built ins below and up each side of the television and an enclosed daybed on the dining room side could look great. Timber would add warmth and they wouldn’t need to be identical, just in a similar design style. I’d think a banquet style of dining suite might be difficult to balance in a room of that shape, though. As for your tables, is it the legs you really don’t like, or could it be the chairs, which are really nice but don’t add to the cosy vibe? Maybe fabric chairs might be an option? My first thought was to change the rugs, add some artwork and introduce a few interesting pieces in your favourite colour from the rug and art or in interesting shapes and textures. You’ve got some lovely basics that will make a great base for this. If you’re not familiar with it , search the 70:20:10 rule of design (there are a few versions). The inspiration photos you show do have a theme. What I found useful was writing what it was that appealed in my chosen photos which helped both coalesce my preferences and, narrow down what I liked but wouldn’t really fit with what I had, and what style I was heading toward. Search Houzz photos and use the filter to ascertain what styles suit you. Most everybody likes more than one and there are several articles here and elsewhere about how to mix them. Now for the disclaimer: this, and tbh every other opinion you read, is just that, someone’s opinion. If , after due consideration, it doesn’t ring true for you, simply ignore it. This is your home, and if you and your family love the ‘doesn’t go with anything’ dresser that great grandma gave you, keep it. If lots and lots of bright yellow appeals, ignore the monochrome neutral lovers. Take it slow, try to buy easily returnable items (that beautiful blue rug from the store can look a weird purple in different lighting for example) and trust yourself. You chose a lovely home and very good basics, you’ll do great with the next steps

Just some quick unedited decor ideas

P2

Two things jumped out at me when I first glanced at your picture - firstly the sofa being back way to far - by pulling it forward so there is an inch or two between it and the curtains hanging freely will make a huge difference straight away. Secondly, the mirror isn't centred above the sideboard - make sure both are centred on that wall. Others will have more design ideas but those are two changes you can make that won't cost a cent but make an impact.

Personally I have found some You Tube channels extremely helpful with interior design. One is Kristen McGowan - many videos on design 'rules', how to make your rooms not look 'cheap' etc. Her aesthetic may not suit everyone but the principles of design are really helpful.

You have some beautiful things to work with, have you considered turning the dining table to run long ways, this could be a great look, add a huge artwork above your buffet, buy something that you absolutely love, look for a lamp to give a lovely ambiance, pendant light/lights above table, something that compliments your floor lamp,add some interesting pieces on your buffet to mix with your plants, you really don’t need to do much to change the look to something you love.

I personally would never have a dining with fixed wall bench seating. You are then stuck with the location of your dining table and other chairs. Julie Herbert suggestion of turning the table is good. Having a free room to arrange for large or small gatherings is better. Having wall seating for dining table is restrictive, and for older family members, not easily accessible. I would also add a large artwork where the mirror is. Remove that white shiny buffet. Replace with a timber buffet. I like your room. Shiny tiles are not ideal. But lifting the eye to artwork on the walls, would naturally distract the eye from the floor.

I think the lighting you have is sufficient. Again, if you install a pendant/statement light above the dining table, then you are restricting the placement of dining table.

Hi Annabel, if you might be looking to upgrade your TV cabinet. Onemade offers premium tv cabinets :) you can check here: https://onemade.au/

Like everyone else thinks, the sofa needs to come away from the curtain. I'd introduce some pattern and a bit of colour - and in rugs, cushions is a good way to achieve this. I also think that changing the dining chairs so they are upholstery and timber will 'cosy' the space - and in a room this size, banquette seating is not an option I would consider. I don't use my dining chairs much so I bought them for looks online. However, if you use the chairs regularly you probably want to buy them from a shop where you can try them out for comfort.

I suspect that the mirror/sideboard is centred in the space, but measured to the wall and not the curtain. (I had a similar centring problem in my house.) If you turn the table, then the mirror/artwork should also be centred on this as you look down it.

Only a few tweaks and the room will be beautiful.

Turning the table would free up a lot more space in front of your living area and would then give you the option of rearranging the living area to have the couch that is currently in front of the curtains in the opposite position facing the window. This would give much better viewing for the tv and a more modern feel, with the curtains hanging freely.