Hi Malibu_tan Well I must also agree with the other four comments "the fireplace is a focal point" , all I would add to that is - man/woman has been looking at fire for many years, and it's reference to our being most likely goes back to primordial times. Fire (the moving flame) is deeply rooted in our psychic, and our relationship with safety and comfort, I would remove the heater and celebrate the fireplace. You can always put in an ethanol fire and close of the flue if required, but I would not get rid of such asset to your residence and your life. Depending a bit with the style of the house I would go as far as providing side book shelving storage, or DVD's, or your best collection of miniature spoons should miniature spoons bee your interest. Whatever you wish to display for your or your friends enjoyment. Then I would complete the lounge design around your final choice of tiles and mantle, if you are putting in a slightly better mantle than you have at present, or if you are going for a modernist look. (it all depends a bit on tastes and budget) If you are in a "period style" you could look at something like Regardless of your tastes I think you can get an ethanol insert in just about any fireplace, corny as it sounds the fireplace is "the hearth of the home" . Possibly not the response that you were perhaps seeking, and you might have a lot of reason why you want to remove it - well I would like to hear your comments. Hope this is of some help Regards Michael Manias

Hi Huda, What a fabulous area, here are a few inspiration photos that you may like, pvc rattan furniture handles all weather with ease and lasts a lifetime, as you are undercover you have lots of options, I would remove that yukka(repot) that’s hiding your stacked brick pillar, up lighting it could add another dimension, also adding lighting in garden beds could look great, by adding some gorgeous furniture , cushions even an outdoor rug it could look fabulous

Hi Julie, its just a joy to create such nooks to sit, read, rest especially after a days work. Thanks for your support and if you would like to see more articles do join our facebook page, instagram etc as we are uploading all the time. Once again thanks Chris Slaughter - Lead Designer www.scenicbluedesign.com.au

Cute house, these little cottages are really great little homes mostly. They are just little. For best value for money I think you could make gains here.... Remove the awning. Change the verandah roof so it's more sympathetic to the house. If budget allows change out the carport skillion roof for a nice low gable. Paint the trims the same colour as the rest of the house. In a house this small keeping trims neutral will help it appear more substantial rather than pokey. Put a new rear deck on that goes all the way across the back of the house and is at least 3.6m wide. That will increase your living space dramatically in summer. Use a cafe blind or louvre roof to allow full sun in winter. The cafe blind will be cheaper overall as you may not need a DA for the deck without a hard roof structure. Depends on your area and council but in general certain decks without solid roof can be exempt development. Of course if it's a high wind area louvres will be better. Use freeform and oval garden beds in the front yard with a path that winds in between them to the front door. Adding informal interest to the garden will make the house appear more substantial and add interest and detail. The home is fairly plain. Use any style of planting that appeals, architectural foliage, floral, low maintenance etc. Just ensure you have nice varying heights and interesting foliage colour. A tall shrub or two would be good. The backyard is already quite shaded so either create a woodland garden or perhaps have some of the tree's out the back pruned to enable more light. Plan out your outdoor spaces, veggie patch, relaxation zone, fire pit etc and define them with plantings. Gravel paths are cheap and effective. I would also be inclined to create a euro laundry and steal the existing laundry space for your kitchen.