I do like your idea of an ottoman instead of a traditional coffee table. Since you have a fairly mod/hip style going, you should find something equal. I do like the one that is tufted all around but of course in some other color for your room. Something low and sleek.

Thanks for all your comments. We've decided to go with a soft tan leather and will probably cover just one of the chairs initially (we have two of them). I'll post a photo when it's reupholstered, which will be a few weeks away yet. Looking forward to breathing new life into the chair. It's so comfortable and we love that it's locally made. Thanks Macu Design for the fabric link - some really beautiful and unusual designs, love the Australian inspired patterns and will keep them in mind for cushions and maybe wallpaper. Meilin42, I agree. The lines of the chair are beautiful and would be overwhelmed with patterned fabric. We looked at the Kvadrat/Maharam fabrics, great options, but couldn't decide on a colour! Very tempted by the citrus, deep purples and teal, but as upholstering is so expensive, we've opted for a classic leather look.

If you want colour a different coloured rug would work eg Aqua tones. But for black and white tones the rug you have is great. The pattern draws you eye and adds to the room

Hi Zoe, Congratulations to you both on your 1st home purchase. Small designer furniture is what comes to mind. 2 seater sofa, lamp table, floor rug, small coffee table and a TV entertainment unit that fits the common wall at the kitchen end. Light coloured furniture & decor and the clever use of wall lighting will help make the room seem larger. The good thing is you can spend up big on the small amount of things you need to buy. Below are some images that I've found online that could be of interest to you. Links as follows: http://ynnu.net/tips-in-decorating-small-living-room-design-with-modern-furniture/elegant-grey-sofa-furniture-and-indoor-flowers-plant-in-small-living-room-decorating-design-ideas-2012 http://www.besthomedesigns.org/start-small-living-room-decorating-ideas/small-living-room-ideas/ http://abanthome.com/living-rooms-ideas-for-small-space/ http://www.a-v-designs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Very-Small-Living-Room-Ideas-66.jpg