Hello Lisa..thanks for your comments - so kind of you. The pictures are not good (sorry) and to be honest whilst I'm renovating I don't have the courage the post much at all ..well at least until it's finished but here are a few enclosed. My real idea is to get a discussion going that we might all enjoy. and yes how light strikes (as in angle?) can impact on even the paint colour etc. I see so many questions from readers about wallpaper paint colour etc and yet experts and skilled people such as yourself will know that it's the cohesion that has to work and light can play such a huge part. A wallpaper can be purchased and then prove disappointing if used in different a light as can paint - which is why we use your good services where possible! I've a pile of boards each with different colours (I use linen style artists boards as I can shift them around - I leave a white border on them to allow a suitable contrast) The small bedroom picture with the striped curtains was more to show that curtain colour - it's now blended with duck egg blue paint (sorry it's a New Zealand company called Resene's so it won't be known of there but called Robin's Egg Blue), ivory carpets which I had edged in a green/blue wool. Before these drapes (Laura Ashley) were in a different room and just didn't work. The bedroom hasn't been finished (See? I'm still a tad embarrassed) but I mentioned these as with incandescent lights this curtain colour did not work at all. Taking my courage in both hands and uploading a picture of the main living area which is to be painted next to do away with the strong saturated green..very dark and gloomy as the natural light is very limited. Hoping you can't see the paint splotches on the wall. Another lesson I learned is to paint a surface white and THEN paint the choices. If we don't do this the original surface colour 'bleeds'. So I really hope to have others including myself recognise that we have to have one eye to the climate and outdoor colours all the time as well as the same paint colour possibly being different from room to room. Regards...and thank you once again for taking the time to reply.

Hi Geonin, the first thing that I would do is go through your house and de-clutter everything then ensure that everything is spotless and in good condition (pay special attention to the things that you know buyers will look at and things that are touched/handled every day as well as things like appliances and doors - make sure that nothing screams "repair bill"). The second thing to think about is paint and flooring - if your carpet is in good condition have it cleaned otherwise think about replacing it (expensive but poor carpet is seen as a big expense to buyers - particularly if its their first property). Paint your walls a colour that is as light as you can to make your property bigger but remember to tone it in with the carpet and keep your trims neutral (white/black) that will compliment your walls and carpet. Remember lighting and soft furnishings can change the whole look of your home too. During the open house/inspection phase - touches of home will help: smells like fresh perked coffee or baking are always inviting (you can boil some water with a stick of cinnamon and orange slices - just hide the evidence before you leave the house); if your inspections are late in the afternoon, turn on table and floor lamps inside and outdoor lights that'll add warmth.

The all black kitchen looks scary as. Maybe because there's no lightness in there at all.

Why don't you live in the house for a while and get a feel for things. The curtains are bright but if they are still good quality / newish it would be a very expensive exercise to replace them (I have just spent a few thousand just on three rooms), you can always add a few red cushions or a red toned throw over your existing couch or a rug with a red tones in to it, to tone the red down, if required. Repainting the walls is cheaper than replacing curtains and a piece of art with red tones may also help. As far as furniture is concerned it would depend on what you like style wise. Why not send us a photo after you have moved in. You may find some of your concerns disappear once you are in and settled.