This is fantastic... I've been trawling the internet for a console table but now you've inspired me to go on the hunt for an older piece and jazz it up myself :)

Hi, what period is the property? I would be tempted in see what's behind the plastered chimney breast where the fireplace used to be. Where the fire opening is. You may discover that theres some nice bare brick that just needs rendering or the original fire back. Get a period cast iron fire surround off Ebay (very affordable) that will fit the opening and place a couple of candles in there. it would add more character to the room than a blocked off fireplace / lifeless chimney breast.

I’m at my desk in the family room and my husband has set up office in the dining room. Teenage son is studying in his bedroom and daughter is home schooling between my husband and I - depending on who has meetings etc and is most available to help. She’s using an ottoman for a desk with footstool to sit on when with me and is at the opposite end of the dining room table when she’s with her dad. My top tip is to clear all work/study/school stuff away at the end of every day to give us our home back again. I put my laptop etc into my rucksack and stash that away in the cupboard and my husband and daughter have a drawer each that I cleared out in the dining room sideboard at the start of lockdown, for all their school and work stuff. When I’m finished working, I open the windows to let all the work vibes out, light a lovely smelling candle and I’m home.

It's a shame to replace those lights with spots. I'd be interested to know what the electrician said about swagging. I'm sick to death of spotlights in the ceiling, they seem to be the only option these days or those awful industrial strips. No character; harsh, ice cold light or 'warm' where you can't see anything; only 'what's best for the environment'. Surely there must be a solution where we can have flexible lighting (even adjust it over moveable tables) and still keep our beautiful shades \ pendant lights. Still, with fuel prices rocketing, maybe we'll be back to candles and paraffin lamps before long. (Don't mind me, I'm having a moment. I remember gas lights in my bedroom as a child. And I've got to decide about lights in my new kitchen - it probably means losing my stunning dragonfly light, positioned over the table, like yours!) ah well, those were the days . . .