Hi Blufitch, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The four coffee tables are lovely, but I would probably opt for one of the two top ones. That being said, check the measurements first as these round tables might be significantly larger than your existing Ikea table. Re the potted plant, a taller one would be better, or you can put this one on a plant stand or even on a ceramic stool. But if you feel a mirror would be too much due to your mirrored splashback, leave the plant as it is and hang a framed print above the plant. It doesn't need to be big, but it's important that it s not too small so it doesn't look too "lost" on the wall. It's hard for me to judge the size from here, but a 70x40 frame might be ok. You could have only the yellow canvas above the couch, but you would have to bring in a few more brightly-coloured cushions or throw onto the couch, to compensate for the empty wall. Alternatively, you could also hang a large mirror above the couch. If you decide to do this, I think it would be best to move the canvas back to where it was, and hang the mirror in front of the window, so it reflects the natural light around and gives more depth to the room. The large Ikea Stave mirror (in white stained oak) is very reasonably priced and would work great. Just double check it fits first (it's 70x160)! Tell us how yo go! All the best, Nelly / Twinkle and Whistle

Congratulations on your new home. I think you have been very sensible to live in it for a year before starting your decorating, it has given you time to consider the lighting and aspect of each room in all seasons as well as time to evaluate how you want to live in your home and exactly what you need. The lounge does look very big and bulky and will definitely dominate the room, so I would keep to the lighter colour. Don't worry about the kids and dirt - as Kookykaren said, leather cleans easily - sharp objects and textas are your bigger worry regardless of what colour you choose. Laying newspaper on the floor to the size of the lounge is another way of checking how it will look as it gives you a better indication of bulk than tape. I would keep your ottoman simple (one with storage is an excellent idea with the children), just a tone on tone fabric or a pattern using the colours in the rug on the floor of the photo of the lounge. I don't think you have room for too large an ottoman but I would have a square one made the same height as the lounge so when just you and DH are watching TV you can push it against the other end of the lounge and both have a chaise. You can then bring some colour with art work or some patterned cushions on the lounges.

Do you have a picture of the room? If you get a tan leather to go back with the grey, I would want to see cushions, throws, a rug and artwork that have lots of grey and tan to link the colour palette together. If you go for fabric, then your choices for decorating the space can potentially be broadened to your imagination... depending on what else is already in the space (that's why a photo will help).

Hi Terri So glad you found our advice for your living room helpful. Here are a few tips to instantly modernise your dining space, without having to replace your dining set: 1) From what I can see, the combination of furniture and artwork you currently have in your dining area, can potentially make this space appear smaller than I think it actually is. Also, the combination of darker colours and timber in a medium size space tend to absorb the light, where lighter colours help reflect the light and make a space feel more vibrant and spacious. Replacing the current artwork with something lighter and brighter, will instantly enhance this space. The 'Orange Blossom' canvas with a timber look shadow box frame from Urban Road is lighter and will match all the colours of your dining table, chairs, wall and even rug. ->Urban Road 2) Another easy thing to do is get a neutral colour runner for your dining table to break the solid timber look. This one from Freedom 'Noya table runner' will work well ->Freedom runner 3) Adding 3 large vases placed on the runner to match the colours of the artwork will help add interest to the space. These rustic vases from Temple and Webster -> Tall Vases for example will do just that. 4) Last but not least, adding a large potted plant will immediately liven up a room. If you don't have time to maintain a live plant, go for the synthetic option. Freedom has a great selection of larger plants, and these days you can get synthetic plants that look exactly like the real thing. Put them all together and you will have a beautiful space to enjoy :-)