I love pergolas and they do solve a lot of issues. Search the box above for "curved pergola" under the dropdown "photos" and you'll find an idea that will work for you. Don't forget you can drape them for privacy and for sun protection with outdoor fabrics. Post your results for all to see.

Awesome Houzzers, thanks for the responses. Overwhelming consensus seems to be that they dont work (at least without distressing the table, which sounds complicated). I am now thinking maybe I move the sofa upstairs and buy it a new coffee table along the lines suggested by maureen and lee lee (thanks). In the living room, I could then leave the oak coffee table, together with the armchair that works with it (it has a similar oak frame and is covered in natural linen). Then I can find a new sofa to match the coffee table. Any tips? The coffee table is 1200 x 1200mm. You guys seem to think that is ginormous - how big would the sofa need to be to look proportional? I am thinking of an L shaped sectional. Possibly also in some kind of natural linen fabric? The living room is big (5m x 8m?). Thanks again - much appreciated!

Hope post shows, got some weird error message

I'd love your advice - Where would be the best placement of my appliances, sink, oven etc? I would love to have my sink under the window - do you think it could work?