Hello Rosie, Okaaay..... THAT boy needs a hobby and it "ain't" you! Here's what you could do in a subtle way that doesn't necessarily say. "I know what you did this summer" How about a sudden love of a very big flower arrangement... Can be fabulous faux! That way, you can remain aloof and he can jolly well go and get a book and learn something. Better not be floristry.. :))

You've done a lovely job on the back extension, which seems to be a totally different property from the front. The trick would be to alter the front, making it more modern and in keeping with your new extension. 1. Replace the windows with more modern ones like at the rear. You'll probably find that the small upstairs window is on a landing and there isn't room to make it bigger. If there is room to the left of the front door as you face the house from the street, consider making this a floor to ceiling glass window and glass door combination http://www.urbanfront.co.uk/images/doors/Image/clearglass_jpg.jpg . The upstairs window should be aligned to the glass window below it. Match the front door to the garage door. http://www.thegaragedoorcentre.co.uk/UserFiles/Image/Hormann%20Front%20entrance%20Doors/anthracite_300.jpg The entrance porch roof can be replaced and extended across the front, up to the left hand window, with glass and steel similar to the lantern on the back extension. Lastly, the front could be landscaped with a path from the driveway through a contemporary, low maintenance garden. Since you have several Mediterranean type plants, you might consider that kind of look. Include a specimen tree to the far left and lose the overgrown shrub near the driveway.

Hi. The room appears quite dark atm so I'd go for a warm neutral on the walls, perhaps try farrow and ball or little Greene. For the wallpaper Maybe a subtle pattern in a metallic to bounce some light or a grasscloth effect paper to add texture. I'd lighten the sofas up with throws and cushions in different textures and patterns. Do you prefer a neutral scheme or colour? Have you considered recovering your seat pads on the chairs to lighten them up and maybe add pattern? It's easy with a staple gun! A vase of faux flowers on the table would look great (I love the hydrangea from Oka!) unless of course you can afford real each week and a plant elsewhere. Agree re pendant light over dining table and lamps to cosy the space. Perhaps a bigger rug for the living area to zone the seating space and one for the reading area. Is it also possible to shorten the curtain pole on the main window? For accessories do look at chrome, glass etc as they will bounce light

We are looking for character wood for a curved desk and window seat at the moment! This piece will be a bit too short I think but perhaps you can help with sourcing something! Do get in touch - info@kvistdesign.co.uk - Christine