Hi guys, Yes I plan on putting shelves in (or the glass holders that hold the glass by its stem) but wanted to decorate the back first. Will have a look at that site and also look for DIY options. I'm sure it involves acid - hence why I didn't want to try it myself.

Georgina, you are most welcome. Yes, I saw that you said in your initial query that you had lacquered them and did not want to sand it all back, hence my suggestion for the least messy option (otherwise yes would be better to sand it all back etc etc like others have said but let's be practical not perfectionists). Yes a tinted lacquer, yes I'm sure you can buy it, I've mixed it myself but best to just buy one but beware not to go too far the other way and take tiny steps. Paint a bit that's going to be under a desk etc and leave it for days to dry and look at it in different light etc. It's not ideal, but I suggest you use the same clear lacqer and add a tiny bit of tinted one because you are painting on a darker colour already so experiment with small amounts of each, keeping track of how much you have put in. (I mix my own wall colours so have just learnt to give it a go in small portions). You also mention wanting a black and white rug, these colours will clash with the wood (colour theory) and make it look even more orange so best to use a colour that tones more. It's hard to tell the exact colour from the photos but go with warmer deeper colours which will then tone down the orange rather than clash with it and make it look cheap and more orange. So if you want to go dark then a rich chocolate brown with some creams, khaki and even a bit of burnt orange for example will make the orange in the floorboards recede.

Oh I thought one side of the fire was wall! I wasn't sure if you'd gone off the breakfast bar idea. Once that space is a little more filled it should balance out the dining end. It would be nice to make the fire more of a focal point though. Do you have art over it? That's odd re the chairs (!), I think they will tie in. I like the suite in its existing fabric, as others have said it's just jarring with the chairs. Change those and see how you feel but I think it will work nicely

I wouldn’t have different coloured units, it wouldn’t unify the look at all. I would paint the units blue or off white, then that will give you more room to add a bright colour on the walls if you wish. You obviously like colour, so maybe go down the Spanish/Mexican route by adding yellow on the walls? Terracotta would go too on the walls but try to use a more pinky tone as some can be very brown and dull. You can either choose a soft lemon or a brighter yellow like F&B India Yellow. Yellow looks great with blue. As to the flooring, laminate is too wobbly for vinyl and it can make it crease or split over time. It does need a good sturdy base.