Lost my internet this morning for some stupid reason so trying to catch up now. Talking kids and heights, my grands here are absolutely racing skyward at the moment. I'm 5'6" but all my daughters are taller than me - 5'8 - 5'9". My 15 year old grandson took great delight when they visited on Saturday to come straight in and stand over me. Said he had had a growth spurt that last week and he is now a full head taller than me. Then my 12 year old granddaughter had to join in as she is now 5'8". The 10 year old boy then had to give me a hug and he is almost looking me in the eye. DD reckons I'm shrinking. The 9 year old girl is pretty much a 9 year old but my daughter's partner's kids came too, his son is the same age and height as my 15 year old but his daughter at 8 is almost at eye level with me too. They so fill the house when they are here. At least is isn't as bad as when my mum was alive, she was only about 4'10" and everyone used to crowd around her and pat her on the head like the family dog. I don't have to try very hard to be fave grandparent, the others are hopeless, particularly the mother. She is very much a business woman and just isn't on kid level at all and very tight with money. I was just chasing curtain rods and fittings today - boring stuff - and found a pretty cushion that is done in a soft taffeta and absolutely covered in flowers of the same fabric. I can get it in red and navy - of course didn't have the pillow slip with me - so will have to go back and check it out. I really have a thing for the flowers. I haven't got to the fabric shop yet, can't remember what happened the day I was going to go, I'm really trying to get as much as possible organised for hubby to do before he leaves next week and then I have 2 blissful months to do what I want to do....... even better spend what money I like, heehee. It has turned so hot here again and really steamy making it even harder to get into things. Anyway back to your problem - 1 - did you try the chairs in front of the window as joan suggested? 2 - fireplace - I'm now going back three weeks ago to when we had the lounge in front of it so you could look out the front window and the TV in the front corner Why didn't we like that??? This is now true decorating, we are going round in circles. Just have to show you this too, while I was shopping today I happened on a fabulous table lamp I reckon I'm definitely getting for my lounge room to go beside the new entertainment unit (when I buy it) and beside the new TV (when I buy that too) http://www.freedom.com.au/homewares/lighting/table-lights/23355415/twisted-table-lamp-60cm-natural-finish/ It has a matching floor lamp too - the colour in the shade is more accurate. I'm having a bit of a beachy theme happening too and I just love the rough natural look of them. http://www.freedom.com.au/homewares/lighting/floor-lights/23355408/twisted-floor-lamp-150cm-natural-finish/

I agree with many of the suggestions above, especially that there's too much furniture in the living room. You're going to hate me for saying this but I think there's too much clutter and busyness overall for such a small space. I'd radically reduce the number of pictures and knick-knacks in both rooms – especially the living room – and move the ones you keep to less prominent places. I'd also take the coat rack and cookery bookshelves out completely, and replace the busy parquet flooring with either not-busy plank laminate or a simple-patterned or solid rug. Finally, I like trees but that spidery palm tree is hideous IMO.

How about putting the chest of drawers under the window so it is visible when you first walk into the room. Then put the desk where the chest of drawers is currently. I would then get a large storage TV unit for the end wall where the dark furniture is. This would be best in white or taupe to keep it light in that end of the room. You could even get this made in the same units as the kitchen cupboards. I would buy new 3 seater sofas in a traditional or classic style to suit the antiques in a beige colour linen and then two armchairs in a patterned material - floral or stripe to suit your personal taste. I would keep the sofas in the same position and place the two armchairs facing the TV unit, side by side. You would need to make sure the armchairs were placed so they were easy to walk around and they would need to be small but comfortable. Keep the table where it is and update the lamp to a more statement piece. An orchid (fake or real) on the chest of drawers would add a touch of class. I quite like the rug that is there as it goes nicely with the antiques and you could bring out the blues with a few duck egg blue coloured cushions, and a duck egg blue roman blind would soften the window. Just some ideas.... I'd love to see photos when you've finished, it's a lovely space!

Hi Becks, What a tricky space! I'm not too sure about industrial rubber...depends on the look you're going for? The house looks older to me, so I'm not sure this material would sit well with the house...especially as this is your main hallway/entrance...these sorts of things set up how people expect the rest of the house to unfold. I can understand you wanting to reuse the original floorboards, however, I think effectively splitting this hallway in half with two different flooring treatments would just be strange to your eye. This may be a case of having to let go of the floorboards for the overall, bigger picture and choosing something you are happy with for the entire length of the hallway. You could use a wool or sisal as others have suggested on the stairs, either works well. And you're right, if you have a slightly wonky room, anything that has lines in it (wood boards, tiling) will highlight this...but if your house is older, sometimes it these "quirks" that add charm and interest. Flagstones should be sealed because they are stone and therefore porous...any stains will stay put if you don't regularly (every couple of years) seal the floor. But some people call staining "patina"...all depends on your outlook on these things! Hope that helps and good luck!