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 :)

I have tried uploading CAD images and Plans but because they aren't 'photos' they are taken out of the photo section . There still doesn't seem to be a proper drawings section yet either ! It's definitely something that's needed I agree !

Going back to a decent layout and taking account of where the electrics are and the radiator, i'd ditch the large dining table idea. Go for a small drop leaf table that can be brought out and extended when necessary but is small enough to provide eating for two the rest of the time without being in the way. You can accommodate two further dining chairs elsewhere to bring out when needed. At least that way you get a good lounge layout. Plus you now have room to walk around and get through the patio doors.

Thank you both so much for your excellent suggestions. I am so heartened you think there are better configurations. Jonathan - I see that I should have given the measurement for the short wall in the corner, which is 900mm. Even though I cannot get to 1000mm x 1200mm,I think a 900mm x 1200mm shower would be a major improvement. Yes, I'd normally want to avoid opening a door straight onto a view of the loo, but I'd not rule it out to make the room better. Rinq - I've attached a plan to show the shower in more context. It really is the ultimate "add-on"! Sadly, there is no space for anything in the corridor but we do have an airing cupboard elsewhere. The shower room extension is partly below ground (with a French drain) so all the green areas below are banks sloping up from the house. This, and moving the drain outside the bedroom door, is probably why extending would cost so much. You've given me some more great ideas so I will start checking out the cost of moving the soil stack versus relocating the basin.