The rest of the house is nearly restored and we are down to one of the final stalling points, what to do with the main fireplace. I've attached some better photos. Since taking them I have made a start on stripping it back. I've removed all the old fabric from one of the chairs and sanded a section back. The dark finish is not ingrained in the wood so sands of relatively easily. I'm thinking I may as well have a go at painting it before my wife makes me take it out! Its not the main living room so we won't be using the room very often. Therefore I don't think it matters that it's not really practical.

Hi all, thank you for your comments and pics. They were really helpful. We have decided on the French connection zinc in grey/charcoal (3 seater) combination with the grey leather cuddler. I’m just so excited I could burst. We need to wait 6-8 weeks so gives me a little time to consider paint and layout. Though I have already sold our sofa so we are taking in in terms to sit in the Ikea armchair and floor picnics. What kind of layout do you guys think would work? Thinking 3 seater on window wall and tv in same corner or where the chest is? or 3 seater on opposite wall and moving tv to corner under window and then cuddler either in centre facing fireplace or where chest is? The armchair and child chair will be at the other end in a reading corner. Positioning: The chest can go either to left or right of fire depending on tv location though it does not quite fit to right so I would have to go lengthways sling radiator or to right. The best of tables could go at opposite end of the three seater. Want to buy a new tv/media unit at some point. Not sure on style but think will need to be either white or a dark wood to mix well with the chest.. Colours.. I love the redoute Afaw rug to lighten the room and am thinking maybe two walls in a teal - farrow and ball Hague blue or another (open to recommendations) on fireplace wall and wall to left (where chest currently is?) to separate living from play. Not sure whether to repaint other walls in a brilliant white, leave in the soft white currently or paint in a pale grey. Can anyone help with suggestions? Also thinking a few pops of yellow with cushions and keeping the gold round mirror though it may Need positioning a little higher? Thoughts? Back to houzz it is for inspiration.

Totally agree sam. There is a bit going on. My husband refuses to get go too technological so I’m trying to work it out. I need a tv unit/stand that will look good and hold a few dvds.we will not be buying anymore but the little girl loves looking through and choosing from her little selection. There are only around 15 tops. we may be able to replace the tv with a slimmer one but we are on a budget so a projector is out. Plus there is too much light from the window and I don’t like the look of over mantle TVs. Thoughts on a corner tv unit or slim long one? Here is another one I quite like but maybe a touch more storage would be nice?

Congratulations to Maria Rogers, the winner of our contest! She wins a fabulous Mimosa Snuggler Chair from Barker and Stonehouse, worth £839. And thanks to all our participants; stay tuned for the next contest organised on Houzz and another chance to win great prizes!