Now it's beginning to work! Luv the rug! A few more red showstoppers, and I luv the post about matting your family pic, and larger frame for it. Looks like you might be a bit uncomfortable with the great post idea of moving your sofa out into the room away from wall. If so, could you accept putting it diagonally from the entrance doorway, across that corner where it is, stopping at the edge of your window? That's a bit of a move outward, still can see the fp and tv, and show off your new rug, which could go diagonally in front of the sofa. Then, if you like that, after a while you could move it on out as Deb K suggests. Sometimes intermediate steps are more doable for us than those big changes.Same with painting; if you could first paint just the fp wall, then later paint other walls...seems some color would really make it more homey. Would you cosider a quite contemporary fixture for the light in the center ceiling? Maybe a bit of red could go there!

Looks like you have several things to consider in the layout. What the view out the window ? Do you really want to see more of whats outside? Cooking is always best on the outside wall to get it vented, island cooking is a last resort, downdraft dont work well at all and the island hood is typically obstructive. Looks like the wall should come out to open the space up. Best advice is to have a designer come to your home and see it in person. There are costs associated with every change and it is very difficult to judge just from photos.The design phase is the most important part of any kitchen remodel the builder is only going to install it as the plans layout. Find a great designer that makes house calls :)

Hi everyone, we have moved in! We didn't manage to paint before we moved and think we will go for a staged approach - above the wood panels first in a warm white then decide on the panels. I'm having a bit of trouble working out what kind of sofa to buy and how at arrange the lounge. All furniture except coffee table temporary in photos and would love some ideas!

The room itself is nicely done , but let down by the furniture IMO . The prints all add interest too , and the curtains are drab , but liveable . That rug is a crime scene though -- it may have been on trend when bought , but looks faded now , even though I assume it isn't . Enquire into the cost of dying it -- maybe even try and do it yourself , but I'd be worried it would cost at least $100 for materials and not achieve much . A new one in bright red or teal or even yellow would add some wow . And get rid of the coffee table -- so 70's ! Imagine one in gloss white with smoked glass top or similar to replace it . And the lounge suite is similarly a 'nothing' -- imagine a blood red or white leather suite . White leather would probably match the swivel chair and stool , while I love red leather , but you'd pretty much have to go with a bright red mat , whereas white you'd have more options . The wall unit and TV stand are pleasant enough , and an upmarket , colourful mat and red or white lounge suite would lift the cabinets , and tie in with the prints too .