I've had quite a bit of fun today moving furniture around to try out everyone's wonderful ideas. I have decided that the dining room needs to stay where it is, as it doesn't quite work with the hall which adjoins. I have moved the china cabinet over to the smaller wall though, as someone suggested and added a house plant here and there - it looks right. Not sure yet if I will go for a large buffet or a reading nook, but a large rug for the dining area is definite, as is art on that large wall. Now to decide ... one large piece or a collection?

Hi Barry, I personally don't think the large blank space lends itself to a piece of art. It's up too high and contrary to your thoughts, it wouldn't be the feature you'd hope for it to be. Besides, the money you spend on a piece large enough, would be better spent on a smaller, higher quality piece mounted at the correct height (eye-level) that would compliment another part of your home. Getting back to the blank space, have you considered using a timber veneer for the wall cabinets? Something that would work with your bench, and then you could use the same veneer as wall panels to continue above the blank space over the cupboards. Perhaps you could even incorporate led strip lighting to give it a little more wow factor. Timber is great because it adds a layer of warmth to the polished concrete and dark cabinets. Good luck, and keep us posted! Would love to see which way you go. Cheers, and have a great weekend. Steve

I agree with strawberry47 but it just makes it like home. You will have to measure the area first your dining chairs have to sit on the rug fully when pulled out on all 4 sides and then add a bit more for good measure otherwise it will pull the rug every time you want to sit. What is really good option is to go to local carpet place ask them to show you what remnants they have and pick nylon if they have it. Rugs are about 4m wide so you only need about 2.5m and get them to overlook to the size you need . They are usually under$100 for a linear metre. It really won't break the bank. Try Carpet court and places like that. Good luck .

Hi Mark, Lisa's work would look good but I would like to see some warmer colours in there. If you have any current pieces try them to help you define what you like and the proportion needed. Until you find the right thing - [on Appro hopefully] you could pick up a vintage mirror to reflect some light . You could pick up on your metallic tones in the table bases. Oval or round would look good and don't be afraid to go a bit fancy or ornate to pick up the luxe vibe in the ottoman.[ which is crying out for a faux fur throw] Set aside some time to wander in some galleries to see what you like but equally there are a number of online galleries and you can choose your framing - but I would avoid too much black. If you go to a framer with your piece take some snaps of the space to help them advise you- many framers are artists and have a good eye for detail and balance. I would add some textured rust / copper toned cushions to warm up the scheme. You may find that dealing with these details removes the need for artwork until you make a magic find one day- it doesn't have to happen immediately - the best art is the piece you stumble upon and just have to have. Good luck