We are US citizens who have permanently relocated to New Zealand. We love this country and intend to grow old here. Our only complaint is the state of housing here - it is extremely expensive, the quality is poor, energy efficiency and warmth are rare and the designs on offer do not fit with our slightly traditional American sensibilities. There is also the added problem that I am a little bit allergic to most things that are found in modern home construction - so I really need a "healthy home". I am a fan of the "not too big" approach to design. We are not after a "McMansion", in fact we would like the smallest possible home, while still giving myself, my husband and our growing son the spaces we need. What I do want is a bit of character, natural light and architectural variety, but it must also be efficient, comfortable, healthy and most of all affordable. A building plot here will cost us about what a middle class family in the US would spend on a fully finished house, so it doesn't leave much for conventional building. So what I am trying to find out is, are there any companies (either in NZ or, if not, some place that would ship to NZ) that can offer us a turn-key home that meets our needs and can be finished for around $150k NZD + land? Thanks.

jacquipru: I kind of like it without the lamp. Do you need the lamp there for ambient lighting? If so, then the blue/silver shade for sure. My family would love for me to give advice on other matters. Keeps me out of their hair. HA When you start the other discussion, be sure to include lots of pictures, and include information like "I need to work with all the furniture, except for _________." And what kind of budget you are on. (Champagne vs beer!) You'll get TONS of ideas, but if you aren't working (sorry you are sick) and need cost-effective ideas and products, leaving it open ended might not be as on point and helpful as it could be. It's also helpful to generally indicate your location if you are comfortable. That helps people develop ideas based on what stores/vendors may be available to you. :)

Hi, love that you love bold colors and patterns. I think a rug that will help to highlight what you've started in your space without competing with it would be beautiful. Because most of your patterns are medium to large in size, I would probably recommend a rug that has some black in it and even with a pattern but with a different scale pattern (much larger or smaller/more subtle) than what is shown in your pillows, chair and lamp. Here are some examples.... Mostly of rooms with bolder (black and white) patterns and the rugs that were used with them. In pic 3, a rug with a larger scale pattern was used in combination with pillows, drapes with smaller or no pattern (and with black/white contrasts). Your space would be the reverse application I think....like in pic 4. I also love the idea of a bolder, more contrasting in color (like the colors of your pillows, etc.) of a cowhide rug. Perhaps even a hair on hide rug.

OK - I'm a beginner here on Houzz so my opinion isn't worth a lot but here it is: the room is a bit bland and lacking in character. I think you have to find some pieces you really love to bring it alive. All the suggestions are good for widening your horizons, but ultimately, you need to find things that matter to you, because it's your home and not a magazine photoshoot. That said, if it were me, I'd throw a couple of small, colorful rugs down, and put either one large painting or three smaller ones over the bed - not in a line but at different heights - to break up the binary look. I'd also put something on the wall above the heater. Then, play around with a few cushions and maybe a quilt that picks up some of the colours in your artwork.