I see a window there... good! Is it facing north or which direction is it? Are the doors & trim throughout the house all dark brown? Light doors & trim would help alot. Lighter happy paint colors, such as butter yellow or limon walls would bring a sunny warm fresh feel to the room. Try some punchy colored feature walls as shown in Manon's above photo (thanks Manon). Get new furniture & some fun colored art & accessories, everything's looking very dated. Better lighting & a tall floor lamp that spreads light across the ceiling or corner. Lighter drapes (with grommets) down to the floor would help OR Roman shades or 2" faux wood blinds covering just the window would modernize the space and give you more wall space. New flooring in updated colors such as white-washed gray driftwood. Designate areas or stations in the room for different activities, such as floor games in one corner with colorful interlocking foam floor mats, comfie seating (bean-bag chairs) for movies in another area, table & chairs for table activities (coloring/puzzles/games/crafts), etc. Are your children boys or girls? That'll make a difference in what you choose and how you put it all together.

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!

Re plate licking, we were in a fish cafe shop in Carnarvon west Aus, plastic table cloths, etc, the food was amazing, my husband licked his plate and the cook/ chef rushed out of the kitchen and hugged him. As for me I have known to lick a plate but not in a restaurant as yet. I also love getting in pjs in winter as soon as I get home from work and have had a walk and shower. 5pm a good time to be in pjs in winter.talk to my cat like she understands (she actually does) sleep with the cat next to my pillow. It is good that we live in a country where we are all a little bit insane.

I have your setup #1 and it works well, we do drip a bit of water on the floor between sink and dishwasher, but you learn not to!! Also it gives a full clear bench on the peninsular for eating, setting out, or working or whatever. Your kitchen is slightly narrower, from memory ours is 1.6M not 1.3 as you have yours, Our peninsular has a circular end which has actually proved very beneficial for sitting round, and seats up to 5, meaning you are not sitting in a long line, but facing each other round the end, - I love it, it is a real gathering point. The outer side of the peninsular curves in to the centre, then flows out to make the circular ending, so its not protruding into the kitchen but into the other side, sorry I don't think I can add a sketch to this.