Clara, There is lots to consider when decorating a room or deciding on colour. The number of windows is one of them but we would also take into account the light that comes into those rooms (is it northern light, south light, is it cold or warm), when do you use the room? what artificial light is there? what are your colour prefrences? what items are you placing in the room?.. the list goes on. By thinking about all of these elements individually, we can create a space that is right for you and use colours that work and are functional with the surroundings. For that reason I would always suggest seeking advise from a professional interior designer or colour consultant (we are available for a chat if you would like). If you choose to look at colours yourself, remember to paint your samples onto lining paper and tape to each of your walls, leaving on each wall for 24 to 48 hours, this will allow you to view it in all lights and at all times of the day. It is easy to say a colour looks great when you purchase it on a saturday morning but after painting you realise your only ever use the space in the evening light and it changes the look completely. All the best with your project and do keep us updated. Gina

If you've re-plastered and removed the shelf from above, etc., I'd just put a plant on it, like a Philodendron. Something that can live in a dark(ish) corner. If you put a table/floor uplighter behind it that will shine up the walls and light up that corner in the evenings, I think it could be a lovely effect (this one is from (loads available, for example on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Astro-4532-Limina-Uplighter-Plaster/dp/B005LVJPH2 )

I think you need to look at the cost of the glass veranda as it is likely to be more expensive than the render that you say you can't afford. I am also not convinced it is going to look better because of the proposed flat roof on the bay- you could always get rid of the bay and have a plain window instead. Personally I think that you make the lounge lighter by adding light reflecting paving/ chippings/ pond outside the bay. You can also likely make the room feel lighter by changing the flooring in the room for paler. I really like the double front doors but glass doors would of course let in more light. I think replacing the digits and facials will make very little difference to the feel of the house and should be the last job you do not the first. If it were my house I would be more concerned about the windows above the front door. Personally I would perhaps have just one window here and if another window is necessary put in a velux above. Lastly you write about wanting to update the house.... do you like the style of this era.... if not perhaps you should be thinking about changing the window proportions or covering the brick even though this may not currently be in budget?

We have two spaces like that in our house. One area has been our "music room plus playroom" and when the kids are older we expect it will be our "music room plus library". There is an upright piano in it, lots of shelves and toy storage, and a big rug in the middle, where we have a child-size table for lots of drawing, lego etc. We push the table out of the way, when they want to make train tracks or play Twister or whatever. The other area is part of a renovation we are currently building. We are going to make it an inviting area for homework, with zoned desk-spaces for each child. When the kids are older we expect it will become the hobby area (i.e. surface area that we don't have to clear away every time we want to eat). If we didn't have a small study upstairs, I would also be pleased to use one of these spaces as home-headquarters. i.e. with filing cabinets for all the family files that have to be kept. We are inundated with paper - re insurance, receipts, passports, medical, utilities. All very boring in my opinion but needs to be kept somewhere, just in case. Home-HQ also stores printer paper, the family printer, ink cartridges, photos, stationery, various cords and old charging devices, wrapping paper, spare cards, 'presents' for other people drawer. In our case, home-HQ is not as tidy as I would like. There are always piles of paper about this that or the other thing - generally about the kids' activities, or some building work, or ideas for a holiday one day in the future. These piles sit around for a long time, waiting to be filed. I like to have an area where they can 'sit' that isn't the hallway or kitchen. Maybe some of these ideas might resonate with you.