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!

A Roman blind is a good idea or curtains that hang outside of the window recess when open to allow maximum light to pour in. Whichever you choose, make sure they are hung high near the ceiling to make the ceiling feel higher up. What do you use the conservatory for? Is the door in the second photo the main entrance into the room? Would the table fit comfortably nearer the window end of the room instead? Then the sofa could go to the other end of the space - not sure if it fits. It's hard to see how the layout works from the photos and without the measurements or a floor plan. Alternatively, would the sofa fit it you turned it so that it faces the centre of the room rather than the window? I'd hang the seaweed mirror above the sideboard or behind the sofa (depending on final layout) and change the floor lamp to one which reaches over into the living space. Also, you need a much larger rug for the living space. The mirror and art are hung too high at the moment. After the layout is decided then you can think about maybe using wallpaper on one wall. Sarah Bright Space Design

Hi Shanna, What a great space. If your mum is not afraid of colour I would certainly recommend some large pieces of art. Does your mum have a preference of the style she would like, rather than be dicated by the space ? I would love to help your mum create her idea space. You can check out my work at www.myclaybrickhome.com/case-studies We could start with a 2D floor plan to get the flow right and then start to build that out into a design. Drop me a reply or email to vicky@myclaybrickhome.com if you want to discuss further. This work can be done online. I am based in the UK but currently working on a ranch home in Dallas. Rgds Vicky

I agree with everyone saying that open plan is good if you have a dedicated enclosed space for a snug or second living room. My son is an architect and he has seen a major change with people requesting ways to separate spaces to revert back to a more traditional layout. What about privacy for those moments when kids bring their friends over, they really do not want parents listening and being in their space! Designing a space for a growing family means trying to future proof the footprint. No matter how quiet appliances are meant to be, they will end up irritating you. We have a coffee machine, extractor fan, washing machine, tumble dryer, microwave, kettle in our current kitchen and are lucky enough to be able to move the kitchen into a 10sqm study to create a separate utility and then build a rear extension with a kitchen / diner / snug. We also have a ground floor loo and living room on the other side of the house. The noise of appliances we find exceptionally intrusive, partitions and half height walls may help reduce the noise but won’t eliminate them. Have you also thought about where you will store the kids toys, books etc and how easily you will be able to hide food preparation and washing etc from visitor? I do like the idea of having sliding doors if that is at all possible to zone off spaces when you do want a quiet area.