Hi thanks very much for the useful hints and tips, they've really helped! So far I've done a subtle re-jig of the decorative items on the shelves and thinned them out a bit to make it less busy (and more contemporary). I have added a cushion and throw plus a bit more useful storage baskets and so far I'm happier with it now. I also have to consider the overall flow of the room rather than 1 wall - for example when I walk into the room this wall is on the left and the sofa wall is on the right, and there was a risk that if I added shelves etc on this wall it would then unbalance the look of the room as the sofa walls are so far pretty plain. I'm getting a new sofa next month and when this arrives I'll be able to see the room in its finished form and can make any last minute adjustments!! I want to add some more shiny stuff and will get a nice chrome tray or centrepiece for my glass coffee table. Pffft, this house decor lark can take over your life sometimes :))

Hi everyone! Thanks for all the comments and input, it was great to see so many of you get involved! The competition is now closed, and any winners should have received an email from us confirming their prize so get checking. Happy New Year and here's to the next one!

Sofas arrived, very happy with them, comfortable too. Trying to now decide on cushions to add some balance to room. I'm leaning towards natural earthy colours to blend with a rug to soften things. I'm considering faux fur throws too. I currently have these crocheted blankets on as my dog is a princess, fortunately she's non moulting. Any ideas welcome. Don't fancy bold colours despite the dining area canvas.

It is quite formal, but by hanging your pictures in a less orderly way, more ramshackle than perfection, might help. more paintings, more photo frames, more personal. if you always have symmetricallly placed things then it will automatically look formal, try being less symmetrical! the room also perhaps lacks some other textures, try something fluffy ( not my normal go to phrase), a couple more cushions in a non- co-ordinated co-ordinate - complicated huh?...something like a woolly burnt orange in a different shape, rectangular or round, even a velvet. it is a lovely room and well considered but often when people design a room they miss tiny details. you are a stones throw away from perfection. please get in touch if you are in the glasgow area and need a wee help finding the perfect thing - always happy to help