I love it. My only concern is this: this will be our only group sitting area. We don't have a family room or any other joint "comfy" rooms in the house. This was why I was concerned the barcelonas would be to clinical. But I like this couch, it looks like it could be very comfy. Also, the boyfriend wants this for the couch: http://www.steeldomus.com/lc2_3_seats_sofa_le_corbusier.htm Its a bit above our price range and again i'm worried about how comfy it will be and if it is too "doctor" office clinical. Thank you for your input and apologies if i'm being annoying with so many questions.

Lighting - pendants over the servery bench should be another feature that complements your chosen kitchen surfaces. So whilst I love the copper pendants in picture 1.. They could work depending on the rest of your decor and would be a highlight in a neutral white/timber kitchen = Good! If you choose copper you would complement it with a couple of copper bench top items. These are beautiful! (I collect copper because I love it, my kitchen pendants are silver, I renovated to sell in the next 3-5 years) You will see a picture starting to form in your mind and there is nothing wrong with making a statement with your lighting. I found that when I wasn't sure I would get a very strong sense of what was right and what was wrong for a space, then common sense or passion would determine the outcome! Here are another couple that might work, look her on Houzz under lighting, search pendants, then have fun looking!Timber tones with black or white to complement your cabinets... or Statement white pendants for a bit of quirky fun! Your personality can be reflected in your lighting and accessories creating that point of difference from the predictable white on timber look. Plus don't forget the power of greenery to punctuate the theme!

hi, I have been working on the same type of project for my teen recently and from my perspective the room need color. like what you could do is add colored pillows like to the white couch add two colored pillows and for the red add colors that go nice with red, and another suggestions would be to add curtains to the room. also you could add colored rugs but the thing about adding color to the room is you have to make sure it looks good together! good luck

Get the professional sander guys in to repair the living areas and kitchen but don't go too dark with the stain as it will kill the lovely grain in the matai. I'm thinking a couple of tones richer than the timber knots showing in your photo, definitely no yellow tone at all. In NZ stepping on to carpet especially in a kiwi winter is so much nicer than a cold floor board shock!!! A nice area rug for the lounge and you're done.