Hi Catherine, You have a lovely open plan kitchen and lounge, but as you say, it lacks punch and interest. Since you're stuck with the stainless steel kitchen for the time being, you need to work with it and have some fun. A symmetrical arrangement of stainless steel shelves either side of the splash back for the cooker would allow you to put up interesting bottles, plants, china, etc. What about painting this wall a bright colour like Seville Orange from Crown and the other walls in natural white. You could also paint the base of the island in the Seville Orange. In the seating area, use the orange colour and some others like plum or blue-grey in fabric patterns, have cushions made up for the seating area. Also an area rug large enough for the front feet of your sofas and the coffee table to sit on with colour would brighten up this area. It's unfortunate that the TV is blocking a French window. Can it be moved somewhere else, perhaps the bay if the bottom shutters are never opened? Instead of half of the bay window having plantation shutters, I would recommend a second upper row, which could be folded back or, if you don't need coverage for privacy on the upper windows, have an interesting, colourful valance. https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=valance+and+plantation+shutters+for+a+bay+window&biw=1516&bih=839&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMIzdu7xO-FyAIVh0gUCh1aigXI&dpr=0.95#tbm=isch&q=valance++for+a+bay+window&imgrc=SjLxqYYGnQmhlM%3A

How about something like this which is contemporary. You can introduce acqua and blue to lighten the grey. These walls really soften the room or you can go lighter on the walls still. It gives it a calmness and soft feel. If you can find a rug like this with style it would be ideal. Don't go for the red traditional rug look......very boring!

Lol! It is hard to make a decison. I would just check the return policy of every company especially the postage. If you're unsure it may be better using a high street shop so you can just return in person. I'm a bit 50/50 on the rug size. I would typically go for front feet on but if you look back at your photos (and stick your fingers over the missing half of the rug when it's widthways!) it only seems to make a small difference in this instance but that could be the camera angle. A rug that doesn't contrast hugely with your floor should help with feeling of space. Oh bless her, wood floors are great for kids but not when they fall

Mine are old Turkish rugs, rather threadbare now, I like the dark reds, blues and greens in them and do not worry too much about anything being spilt on them, or them being chewed by the pups. I do like plain rugs, but feel I'd spend all my time trying to keep them clean, there's a lot to be said for a pattern hiding a multitude of sins.