You've opened my eyes to ikea hacking, I never knew such a thing existed and there are some quite amazing transformations! It will be great as a little reading area. How were you thinking of hacking the bookcase? I've found 2 images from etsy and ikea hackers (ignore the kids bits!). I would be tempted to run the bench all the way along that back wall and either add shelves up the wall or the cubes where there is the wall space on the right (so move the bookcase up). upholster a cushion pad and add some patterned cushions in the colours you've used thoughout the house but maybe not too bright if you want it as a meditation space. You will probably also need a reading light somewhere, if you do have a stack of 2 cubes on the right then would add one there or you may be able to add an arc lamp. I can't see the whole space but armchair may crowd it or not be needed?

I agree with the radiator cover idea and I would put a large, very wide, rectangular mirror above it instead of the photographs. I think this would do a much better job of expanding space and creating light than the mirror at the end of the hall (although there's no reason you can't have both). Depending on how it looks with the large mirror I might also remove the thing hanging to the left of the door. In the space in the second photograph I would either remove that photograph in between the door and cabinet on the left or I'd have it in a white frame if you'd really like something there. In the third photograph I like the idea of a collage of frames leading up the stairs, but I find these frames a bit too chunky and rustic looking in that space. I think some white-framed or black-framed photographs would look better like in the above post. There the frames are simple but the photographs themselves inject colour which is carefully chosen and the end result is crisp and fresh and looks fabulous. At the top of the stairs I think one large rectangular print would look better than the two smaller ones.

Thanks guys... don't think I could paint the beams the just add too much to the house! I'd also be shot by my fiancé! but I can Def see the way it opens up the room! will hopefully get some before and afters when Complete! x

Agreeing with Gina! It will bring it straight back up to date. You could also consider dyeing the stone using a product called dyebrick, maybe in Charcoal to match the window frames. Dyebrick I think round the back, i'd copy the planting and wall on the left and bring it across under the front door. Paint the railings to match the windows or even change the railings possibly for wood to soften the look and make it a little more inviting. It will help frame the door and make the back visually more appealing. I think the render would look good in 'Sandstone' it works well with Greys.