@kmkane... The "old thread" comments, at least from ME... aren't for any other reason than letting some contributors know, that the advice they might believe they are giving, may be moot. I know that when I 1st became involved on Houzz, I was glad when someone indicated that I may be addressing a question which had probably been answered months (if not years) ago. Helped me "learn" to check the original posting date before blathering on about an issue someone was no longer interested in.

Hi pcmom, there are two of us but we would like to preserve the two bedrooms as the idea is to make this a rental property at some point. The apartment is in the middle of the city, so while proper kitchen is a must a large dining table isn't (counter seating is fine). Primarily I was wondering if there is a way to get rid of the "dead" hallway space and add some more closet space or open it up in some way to make it feel spacious. Thought about it for a while but couldn't think of anything :) so thought I'd throw it out here just to make sure I am not missing something obvious :)

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.

Okay, so I like it simple and modern, big stripes, big blocks, love this and this I really like uncluttered look. like this to https://www.houzz.com/photos/murphy-beds-modern-rendering-phvw-vp~24435627 , and I like my dark grey's and browns not to mention light blues, yellows, oranges and reds clashy aye.(not sure if these colors will work with the wood, really like the idea of staining the wood darker to more like this https://www.houzz.com/photos/rubin-residence-contemporary-bedroom-san-francisco-phvw-vp~5202610). But really interested in your ideas.