Hi shinae, keeping things simple and de-cluttered is the key to smaller spaces. You can add bits of color to accessorize and consider furniture that serve multi-function such as dining table as office desk. Check out the following ideabooks. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/ideabook-911-how-can-i-make-my-living-room-seem-bigger-stsetivw-vs~209321 https://www.houzz.com/magazine/6-ways-to-magically-enhance-your-small-space-stsetivw-vs~165912

Not hardly, lol. I just pulled that photo off Pnterest. My dog is a 90-pound Retriever. He is MacGregor, chaser of balls and cats, and destroyer of garden plants, lol!

The blue is awesome (grey is too trendy)! The reason it stands out to you is perhaps because it's the only real colour there. Bring in the blue in a window treatment, a small appliance that sits on the counter, a pretty tray or area rug. Also, it is more appealing often if there are more than 2 colours - so right now you have a white and blue colour scheme - bring in red or orange or fushia - something from the other side of the spectrum (like you did with the yellow flowers but in a more permanent way)!

Thanks for the feedback.. will consider, am keen to have a go at designing tho, already have an architect to run things thru re the legal details. I live in NZ btw, nice town, big lake, nice green scenery. Keeping my options open and considering all comments. Not afraid to design something different and stray from the norm. Thanks guys!