Thanks i just feel so uninspired im actually finding it hard to think straight! http://www.ashleyfurniture.com/Showroom/Showroom.aspx?PageId=Showroom&CategoryID=0&ItemNo=5820117&SetDomTab=4&SeriesNo=58201&CollectionId=&style=&IsClicked=1&CatPageNumber=1&bFromSearch=Y&Keyword=Chaise Thats the link if you want to view the couch Thank you so much :)

It's refreshing to see nautical, navy BLUE. Everyone is saying the same thing for the most part - just introduce another color, definitely bright (yellow or orange IMO) and it will make it more current. What I really like is how your style will withstand the test of time - and with minor updates now and then it will always look fresh and "current".

Thanks for the replies! My wife suggested we talk to a local real estate agent, so i think that is a good idea... just that Im not sure how helpful they are likely to be if we arent selling yet :) As for saving for our dream house, I dont disagree, however if doing this up nicely over the next ~5 years or so while we live here nets us some extra in the eventual sale, then that of course will help us as well. Interesting thing happened today actually. I got a knock on the door and one of the older neighbours asked if he could take some lemons from the tree. I of course said yes. Anyway he was telling me he had lived in the street for 40 years. I asked him if the house had always looked like this, and he said no that ~30 years ago the old old owner did a massive renovation and pulled off the timber and put up the bricks and gutted the inside of the house. Interesting stuff!

I love trunks! Add such character..hope you can keep yours. One of mine is a military chest brought out with my great grandfather when he emigrated to South Africa, all he had was in it..in 1892, age 19. He had 10 children. We emigrated to NZ with it 20 years ago..our history with it. Could never sell that one!!! I found an example of what I think would work under the tv..now to afford it ha ha!.