Thank you everyone for your great ideas! Actually, the room is not as dark as you think - the window is east facing, and we do get a good deal of sunshine through it... I think the pictures don't do the room justice. I do agree, dark furniture does make it seem very dull though. OK, here is what I am thinking at the moment... Unfortunately, the sofa does not fit quite right againt the opposite wall, neither does the love seat by the window (I've measured everything up and the sofas are of the wrong sizes). I'd like to replace the love seat with a couple of chairs (as the love seat is quite chunky, and does dominate the room as you walk in), but I can't justify spending the money on that just yet :( I am planning to buy a bigger rug (thank you for the suggestion, ren2513), I do love the white/cream as we have now, but will go for something with a bit more colour through it, and definitely replace the coffee table with a bright ottoman (thinking something along these lines at the moment http://www.marksandspencer.com/oval-button-footstool/p/p22344378001 colour Measham,Ochre)... And I'd like to move the existing rug behind the love seat. I'd also like to either match the wall paper or a few pictures on the wall to the ottoman (colour-wise) for some continuation. The ceiling lamp shade will be replaced with something a bit more original (this was fitted in a rush when we moved in, with no thought behind it!) All the speakers will go, as I don't think they look right in the room, and will be replaced with more descrete ones :) We are keen to replace the TV stand with Skovby TV unit and a display cabinet (in white oak), so a similar idea to what was suggested by Sauve :) thank you! Haven't decided on the 'behind the love seat' arrangement just yet. Thanks again for the suggestions everyone :)

Have you checked creative cables website? they have slim ones but also bulbs that look like bottles as an alternative... https://www.creative-cables.co.uk/led/13534-tubular-led-light-bulb-5w-e14-clear-dimmable-8055681813380.html (unsure if it'll fit in a bottle). Bottle bulb- https://www.creative-cables.co.uk/led/15169-led-green-beer-light-bulb-8w-e27-dimmable-2800k-4260150051277.html

Hi ! Just looking at your plans briefly - it’s clear that due to cabinetry on all four walls - you won’t get a very big table in there ! You mentioned no wall units due to having enough storage elsewhere - but - if you had wall cabinets storage and storage to the patio doors on the top wall - you could take off some perimeter cabinets to give room for a table that’s larger than ‘just’ a four seater one ? There’s a lot more that could be done with this space in my professional opinion. Re colours - in a north facing room if you chose ‘winter’ colours you will need to warm it up a tad with woods and other tricks like tactile accessories. Scandi style for example uses whites and pale greys warmed up with pale woods and real or faux animal fur on benches or seats to add warmth ... Alternatively brilliant white cabinetry on pale Egyptian Cotton walls can look great too and is warmer than most grey toned paint . re lighting - if this drawings is true and it’s a flat extension then lighting could be LEDs in ceiling throughout - but if the new part is a vaulted ceiling then cable lighting might work or stronger LEDs higher up could also work but there will be a shadow line where the change in height happens. ... To summarise, this is ok - could be better and if worked on by someone with more of a ‘design driven’ background - time could be spent trying different colours for you and looking at lighting options and the table would be included in the drawings to show you what space you actually end up with ... you could see what it could look like in a more real image. If you click on my name or icon it will take to to my pro page with some past projects that might give you an idea of the difference a design done purposely for you, with no other agenda, could make. ( then send it to all the online retailers and builders merchants etc to compare like for like on their prices )

Good Morning James, That window ledge is a great height to see out at a desk, I'm guessing you planned this! Layout optimisation: I agree with that desk position being the best possible option. When working in this position you feel in full command of the space with a view to any onlookers or approachers. You will feel in an open space due to the window. I suggest placing a row of foliage outside this window e.g. grasses or ferns (something that grows to around 200-300mm above the window and and survives well there). The idea here is to make you feel like you have a bit of privacy whilst working amongst the nature and the height difference of your desk above the window will be softened. The desk can be moved to the other window when the bed is down if the desk is fairly shallow in depth for good circulation (around 500mm or less) and light and easy to move. This will then double up as a dressing table. The fact that the desk faces north- west is perfect for good working light (south would not be as comfortable) It will be nice to centre the desk on the window, it does not need to go right into the corner and this can all be played around with. If you require more advice such as lighting, colour, acoustics, accessories etc. We offer services from an advice line to full VIP service. If you send me a private message I can pass on a price list. Thank you for sharing, we hope to see updates :D Ellen Interior Designer studio@ellenutleyinteriors.co.uk 07532198644