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/

There is a lot of paste and size residue still on the walls. Washing and scraping helps but it still feels like it's there. Would a good sanding be sufficent or do I need to wash all the paste off before painting?

I need help trying to secure a pallet between two posts to make a wall to block wind and tree debris, as it floats through the door The posts are already in place, as they are the posts that hold up the outdoor covering. I just discovered that the posts also have a steel rod going through them (vertically), so I cannot bolt/nail through the posts. Also, the pallet is not a perfect fit between the two posts. Any suggestions?

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!).