I agree with Jonathan, adding black would give it that sophistication. I'm sure what you already have in the house to do it though. Try cushions, lamp shades, picture frames, floor lamp etc. Try adding silver in mirror, ginger jar, lamp, plant pot etc . I have a fake orchid from next in a big chrome pot, not 100% convinced on quality of orchid tbh but it makes quite a statement. Attached pics from interiorcg, juliettes interiors, ebay and furnish

I live in the Scottish Borders and three years ago there was a government incentive to externally insulate the houses. Due to the construction of the houses (poured concrete they couldn’t have cavity wall insulation ) . The difference to the heating bills is unbelievable but the look of the house is fabulous as there was new render put on new window sills and down pipes .i agree with the comment that just doing one house would stand out like a sore thumb but it just takes one to start the ball rolling . Maybe speak to your neighbours and they may want to do the same . All the houses in my street had the cladding and it has transformed the look of the street . I have since revamped my lounge and kitchen. There was nothing wrong with the kitchen cupboards so they where painted ,new work tops and sink . I did have a breakfast bar that took up a lot of room which I have replaced with a glass table . My next project is my bedroom which is getting refitted with new wardrobes and draws . Ex local authority houses are well built and have big rooms , they are worth buying as you can do so much with them ,I have bigger cupboards than the rooms that are in some new builds . This is my kitchen, it is so much lighter and more space . The back board is the same as the work top , so no tiles to grout .

If you need to keep the space open due to light levels, then shelves with an interesting display would work well, a glass divide/window can look odd on an internal wall, if you are not careful, although, depending on the rest of the house, the crittal window might look interesting too. Stained glass would have to look good on both sides and could be very expensive. I like the look of the climbing rope diy on the stairs, it might be worth trying that idea too. Please don't go with the fish tank, horrible expensive out of place smelly things in a nice clean home, they remind me of pet shops! It really boils down to what you like the look of best, if you really have to keep the space open, just don't forget there is nothing wrong with feeling warm in your home and there is more chance of that if you don't feel a blast of cold air every time the front door is opened, so don't rule out a proper wall if it at all possible.

Hi, congrats on your first home together! I'm struggling to get my head round the floor plan. Is there really no access to the living room from the hall? Nor to the kitchen? I think the L lends itself well to a dining area up by the kitchen and cosier seating in the other part. You could be bold and use different colour schemes to denote the different areas (perhaps with the dining area continuing the colours/style of the kitchen so they feel connected?) or just your furniture, rugs and lighting to change the feel of the spaces. Is there a nice view out through the conservatory that you'll want to be facing? Might you like to fit a fireplace on the end (garage) wall to give a focal point to the sitting room? Are you bookcases and house plants people? Good luck!