I think the problem is actually not so much the shape of the room but the fact that at the "pitch of the roof" part you have a large full length window and fireplace. Essentially, because of all this there is no wall to put your back against or place furniture against. My rectangular room has similar issues with a corner window facing the fireplace. We just put the kids toys there on the floor and low kid size stuff like a toy box. You can't put any large pieces there. So, I say, start by completely ignore the top triangle of the room. Its essentially dead or unusable space, but will add to the feelings of space and light in the room. Arrange your large furniture pieces in the bottom square portion, around a large square rug perhaps that would define the space. It might feel better that way. Then arrange your other bits around that. I think if you try to work the square it will be way easier to organise the room. Emphasising a square layout will feel more comfortable. Plants in that light bright corner was a good suggestion, they soften the angles. Hope that helps!

Nice result and a very hard choice between the 2! For those who are interested, you do need to have a handrail that runs the whole length of the flight. We have vertical brushed aluminium rods on the steps that start from the 5th tread (to keep a sense of openness) but needed a wall rail as well. We chose the rod option over glass for something different and with far less maintenance. I think it all comes down to individual taste and what's important to you in terms of overall design

Thanks for the feedback: - The opening near the sink is a walk-in-pantry (large) and my fridge will be in here. - On the right where the open shelves are will be a desk area for the kids to do their homework etc and a broom cupboard. - The flooring will be recycled Tasmanian Oak - lots of old nail holes etc MB Design - I have know idea what to use as a splashback!! I love the idea of feature wall, but not sure what to use - any ideas or pictures greatly appreciated. - I like the idea or charcoal cabinets but am weary as in another house we had back cabinetry and is was horrible to keep clean. - originally we were going to have floating wooden shelves either side of the rangehood, but because of the cavity slider door on the left, we cant.

As someone who bought a brick house recently, a major reason for the decision was the low maintenance of unpainted brick. So, no, don't paint the brick! The facade above the brick looks heavy and dominating because it is so bright white and all one colour. Why not go for a more retro look, break up the solidity of the overhanging facade by painting the vertical trims a different colour? Pick a colour that compliments the brick and keep in mind that colours were more adventurous in the 70s. Embrace the fun of the beach and the retro look without going overboard. Leave the brick as is, paint window trims to contrast and catch the light., maybe add shutters in the same colour to make windows look bigger and add more to catch the eye under the eaves. And paint the front door a fun, bright colour. Citrus colours catch the light and pop, but check they don't clash with the colour of the brick. You need contrast and brightness. Our blonde brick house was built in 1960. We painted the front door, the awning over our sliding doors and our garage door all the same colour: bright citrus orange (the garage door has 2 horizontal white stripes). The result was an instant uplift. We then had the roof restored and painted a terracotta colour (concrete tiles) and cleaned the eaves. The house looks fresh as a daisy and so much more attractive. The paint cost about $100, and the roof cost $6000. Money well spent! Then we worked on the gardens. We took out tall plants close to the house and replanted the gardens with more attractive flowering plants, going for colour. It all looks much more inviting now.