You could play with fake grass; have a look at this thread and see what they've done: https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/balcony-makeover-dsvw-vd~534450 The beauty of the fake grass is that you don't have to lay it like a carpet, you can cut it any way you like or just have some under your bistro table and chairs as a 'green rug'. I had fun with it in my back garden; the space was too small to have a lawn (last 2 photos). Bought the astro-turf in B&Q (£15/sqm) - so far it behaved quite well :)) Hope this helps. Good luck!

I'm not sure of your budget but it looks as though you could do with a bit more furniture and definitely an armchair? I agree with Alternative Flooring's comment, the room would come together if you add a rug. You need to put some pictures up on the walls as they look bare. Your ceiling pendants look a bit sad. Can you get something bigger and more dramatic? And add some table lights. Low level lighting makes a room instantly look cosier and warmer. I would also change the curtains, you could do with lighter curtains, and longer curtains in the bedroom. I can't see the photos very well, but the bedding could do with pillows and some cushions, new bedside lights or perhaps you can just change the lampshades on your lamps? Ikea have some great things and they're inexpensive. Good luck!

Hey, Gemma. How's it going? Are you able to post some more pictures of the space, so we can see it from other angles and how it ties to other rooms (especially the kitchen)? Also, forgive me for asking, but where is the current dining table? Your eye is similar to mine in the choices you made and my living/ dining area is similar so I can certainly relate. It's difficult to know where to start because you're lucky enough to have a blank slate. I think all your ideas are good. I know you're changing your sofa which is good as the chaise element blocks the eye's flow to the light/ window. Something with long legs, with 2 seats - possible a loveseat - would also help to minimise the footprint. I agree with the paint colours. I'd probably paint the whole wall, in case you wanted to change things around at some point. It can also be very difficult to pull off, and especially with varying lights. How would you like the split to be between the dining and living areas? In one of your ideabook photos you have the 'zones' approach at 50/50 but I'm not sure if that's something you were going to carry through or whether the dining space would play a less prominent role. All that said, I think all your ideas are spot on and the space promises to look great.

Dear Caroline, Congratulations on your new flat! Not wanting to assume, are the steps leading downstairs to the kitchen start as you enter the room? Couple of things for you to consider: - Storage unit on the other side of the stair (is there a bannister/wall/railing?); please do send through pictures. It might be possible to fit in a bookcase as a divider (recommend a low one and to accessorise the top, for example, with a vase, lamp, picture frames and candles. - Your lounge area is not that small; however, rather than a couch and a chair, have you considered an L-shaped sofa, with a coffee table in front of it and a TV unit across on the opposite wall. - What is your budget and preferred design style? - What is the flooring? Consider getting a rug. We are happy to assist you further so please do not hesitate to contact us. Good luck!