Thank you for your help, I had never questioned my taste until a recent visitor commented on my lack of color! I like the look of the mongolian lambs wool cushions-have not seen here in New Zealand, I will have to search. Thanks for the reminder about mirror, it mostly does reflect the dresser but yes the doors are focal too, I hadn't noticed. I used to have more height on the living area coffee table but when I removed the Television and hung the vintage ceiling tiles (photo attached) on the wall the height interrupted them from another angle (not photographed). Our house is located semi rural with bush and water views, with this being quite focal in the lounge (with the wall paper) which is why I have not hung art. With this (as photographed below) would you still hang something? Really appreciate you all taking the time to answer. Thanks.

I have always dreamed of renovating an older commercial building into living space. However, Klein Kitchen is correct.......the first thing that you must do is check with the city to see if they will allow you to use the space as a residence. If it is zoned exclusively for commercial use, then you would not be allowed to renovate it into a house. Hopefully the neighborhood is zoned for both uses.......... Keep us posted on what you do with this project because I am sure that there are some excellent ideas that we all can share with you once you have made the commitment to go ahead...............

Sorry I am so late coming to your site - you are an inspiration to all, homeowners and advisers alike. For your planting advice, I suggest you call Merrifield Garden Center to see if they will come out your way. They currently have wonderful garden centers in Merrifield and Fairfax (both in Fairfax County) and a new one in Gainesville, but they may come further south to wherever you reside. (www.MerrifieldGardenCenter.com) Even if they don't send designers to your area, they are worth a trip to see their huge selection for a day of pleasure and inspiration, or to pick up some plants. Most of my clients are in the Fairfax and greater Washington area, but I am currently living out west below Front Royal, VA on the Shenandoah mountainside - wonderful views. cascio.offsite@gmail.com

Well, for lack of a better idea, since you find it a drafty little space. I'm assuming the draft comes in on the right? Most of the necessities in the area are located of the left side; i.e. vent, thermostat, light switch etc. What I would do I think is caulk up the drafty spots, maybe even add sized poster board wrapped in batting I covered in a gorgeous fuscia with diagonal grosgrain ribbons every which way covered with a heavy velvet to be attached to the area above & below the window. (Of course remove the drapes that are hanging in there). This for the purpose of using it as a pin-it board for notes. Attach a table height board covered in felt to carry across the full width of the little room. Leaving just enough space for a comfortable little antique desk chair. Paint the back wall a bright cobalt blue, paint the ceiling a silvery pearlescent white. Find a way to attach a clip-on task lamp. And stretch a heavy duty enough wire across the top of the opening and complete it with a heavy doubled velvet drape with a drooping valance. Place a swag with fringe & jewels on it to be closed when not in use. Voila intrigue is yours!