This is a really awkward space! What about trying to build a unit into the corner which seems to be dead space. This could house the television and other bits like dvr,amp etc. The unit could then extend out towards the door in length and in height either up to the start of the window or up to the start of the blinds. I would suggest drawers for toy storage and books above. In this way you leave the windows clear for light plus it looks like you have a pull down screen so the tv would be out of the way of that. This arrangement would also hide all those wires and cables! Ikea have some good examples of storage which you could adapt or copy, such as Besta which illustrates the extended toy storage. http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/S39927155/

We have been renovating an 80's home with a vaulted roof in the living/kitchen/dining area, something like your picture. We needed to make the space look bigger so we opted to hang our tv from the roof using an Adtec tv bracket in white, pretty nifty unit, all wiring, aerials etc go up the mounting pole and through the roof. The unit also swivels 360 degrees which is great for any view point in the room, including our outside area. We had a tv unit custom built by Jarramar Furniture which is like a rather large floating cupboard. The unit has 2 draws and one cupboard. All the cords etc come down the wall in the adjoining room behind the door, neatly packed into duct and back into the back of the floating cupboard. It's very neat and tidy, keeps everything off the ground and makes your space look bigger. Both Adtec and Jarramar have websites where you can check out their stuff. You just need to ensure your tv weights are ok for the Adtec unit your wish to purchase. Good luck with your design.

Hello - I am an independent Interior Designer and Colour Consultant based in Cambridge. The issue you are having is something that I come across a lot (unfortunately). You need to add items that will absorb sound - what you have at the moment in this space are all items that are 'hard' and therefore will 'bounce' all sound around the room - which is why it's so noisy. Would love to help you :) www.cambridgecolour.co.nz elizabeth@cambridgecolour.co.nz Elizabeth; 027 275 9779

What is the best way to remove wall paper that has been painted over? I have tried a Selley's wall paper removal (a powder mixed into hot water then applied to the walls), but because of the paint, it doesn't soak into the wall paper, and therefore is useless. If nothing else works, i may just look at removing the gib board completely, and starting afresh (the exterior walls could probably do with new insulation at the same time!).