I have just taken a couple more pictures (excuse the untidy house) from the stairs. As you can see it's an open plan area that isn't that big but very high ceilings also in wood (Macrocarpa) with dark wooden beams. The house is surrounded by bush so quite a dark house. I initially considered a darker wood similar to the beams but not sure if that will make the house appear smaller / darker...I'm really not sure what to do!?!?!? Thanks

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!

Clear any shrubs / trees / weeds, away from around the house - not saying go out with a chainsaw and slash everything down to the ground but make sure there is nothing higher than the window frames directly around the house or even leaning on the house. Taller tree's may be able to be pruned to allow more light through e.g. lift the bottom of the growth up higher by removing lower branches or thin out branches from within the canopy. Bring in as much sun as you can during the day. If you are planting a new garden, always look at the height of the tree's when they mature and if possible mix some trees that lose their leaves in winter so you obtain maximum sun. Check your insulation e.g. last year I added a new layer of insulation onto of my existing ceiling insulation. If you have dampness under your house maybe look at channelling water away from the house with what ever means you can afford e.g. professional drains right around the house or just dig trenches. You may wish / need to add black plastic over any clay / ground under your house if you are not on a flat concrete block based house. Open curtains during the day. Dress to the conditions. If you can't afford to heat the entire house just heat the room(s) you are using but make sure the non heated rooms get ventilation from time to time (especially lovely sunny days). Pile the blankets on the bed and even use a blanket over your legs if you are sitting watching TV or working on your computer. Think SUN SUN SUN. If you are renting and the house you are in gets very little sun, now is the time to start looking for something that gets more sun. Winter is the best time to look.

A very simple layout keeping the floor space within the kitchen, the WIP takes up a lot of space with not much gain, The broom cupboard could be moved to the Laundry/entrance, narrow. If the wall has been bumped out to the eaves on the deck side giving an extra 300 depth to the kitchen you could make the island 2700 x 1200 and all drawers. The wall of narrow pantry will hold all pantry needs and more, no deep cupboards to dig into. cheers