This is a really awkward space! What about trying to build a unit into the corner which seems to be dead space. This could house the television and other bits like dvr,amp etc. The unit could then extend out towards the door in length and in height either up to the start of the window or up to the start of the blinds. I would suggest drawers for toy storage and books above. In this way you leave the windows clear for light plus it looks like you have a pull down screen so the tv would be out of the way of that. This arrangement would also hide all those wires and cables! Ikea have some good examples of storage which you could adapt or copy, such as Besta which illustrates the extended toy storage. http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/S39927155/

If the ceilings are low, go for a slightly lighter tone - this will effectively heighten your ceilings - also pale colours push the walls back. So perhaps not white but a pale grey, cream or beige.

HI Madison There are pros and cons for every situation, but you need to work out what is best for your lifestyle. Personally, I agree with the carpet in the living room, and hard flooring in the kitchen/dining areas. All you need to do is work out your demarcation points (where carpet will meet hard flooring). A great retailer should be able to visit you at home, discuss options, give you pricing and away you go! (Us if you are in Auckland :) ) With littlies, I'd suggest a vinyl plank.....other posts will tell you I'm a big fan of it, but with kids, toys, mess, liquids etc, vinyl planks will give you the best wear over time. They are very hard wearing (Karndean have lifetime residential warranty), easy to keep clean, and waterproof - can be installed in all wet areas. Timber flooring, depending on which you choose (real wood, engineered wood, laminate), may not be the best "fit for purpose" products in your situation. Whilst I'm not trying to champion one product over the other, having had carpet with little kids, and putting drop sheets over carpet, under highchairs, why wouldn't someone not put in vinyl planks?

We have had a balustrade on our deck rebuilt, as previously it wasn't consented by Council. Our deck is out the front of the house (and on top of our garage) so we opted to continue the weatherboard up from the sides of the garage. We had advice that we have to have a metal parapet capping put on to confirm to building code, and we have, but it's ugly and doesn't go with the rest of the weatherboard style of the house. Has anyone else had to deal with this before? I have seen lots of similar balustrades on decks (that aren't over other structures) with simple wooden capping that looks nice. Just wondering if anyone has a compliant solution that looks nicer. Ours (we needed a building consent) Other peoples (who didn't need a building consent)