Would the bed fit the other way, at right angles to the window? You could then put the chest under the window to the right, and lean a full- length mirror against the wall to the left. This would balance out the uneven wall space, and also avoids hanging things on the wall ( I note your landlord won't allow this.) However, I think it's a bit unreasonable of him not to let you hang curtains for privacy, so if he relents I would have white or cream drapes. You could add warm colours like coral, warm yellow or dusky pink, with throws and cushions, which would be calmer and more restful than primary colours, and would go well with the existing flooring and your black and white rug.

Hi Shelley, In which case, I am not a professional but based on our experience my advice would be as follows; If you know you are going to extend then you will have to have an architect's drawing firstly for your builder (so he knows what to do and is the basis of the contract between you) but also for buildings regs and potentially for planning if the work doesn't fall under permitted development. You then have a choice on how to go about getting the drawings; Firstly you could use an architect and they will help you design the layout of the downstairs and the extension with all of their skills and knowledge (which they've spent many years gaining) and you'll pay accordingly for this service. They will be your creative input and I would expect to pay around 10% of the costs of the work to have that although it varies significantly so definitely get a few different quotes! Key questions we found useful when comparing architect's quotes; Does this include a survey (so they can get a super accurate floor plan of what's already there, so they can draw extensions etc- very different to a buildings survey) or would that be in addition? Does that include structural calculations or will that be in addition? (Ours were £1,200 on top) Does that include buildings regs submission or would that be in addition? (Ours were £500 on top) Does that include planning submission? (we didn't need planning) Alternatively you could work with a concept planner (like OnePlan or we used Gina from create Perfect on here, who I couldn't recommend highly enough) for your creative input, to decide what space you want downstairs and then just bring in an architectural technician to do you a set of drawings based on what you already know you want, lessening the emphasis on their input and certainly in our experience significantly reducing costs (we only paid £500 to our architect for plans as Gina had already done the design work- however (!!!) we were only remodelling not extending so didn't need to consider how it would look from the outside, which is where an architect or architectural technician would come into their own) Before you start anything, especially as you need to rewire etc I would personally get everything planned out, so you know the design of your kitchen, how each of your downstairs rooms will be used etc. It's SO tempting to want to get started but having everything planned out first, even down to where your pots, pans and dishwasher will go before you do anything downstairs will be the best thing you could possibly do for your enjoyment and bank account :) Make sure you have done the plan for your lighting, heating and electrics well before you start doing anything- there is nothing more frustrating or costly than doing the building work, then deciding on the specifics of your kitchen, utility or living room and realising your electrics aren't in the right place and you've got to have wires sticking out or extension cables etc! If you make all the decisions up front (even down to where you want the TV in the living room) you can have all your wiring and plumbing etc integrated and then nicely plastered over so you don't end up with ugly pipe work and electrics, or worse still having to amend your designs to fit around what you've got! Even if you decide to do the interior design yourself make sure you come up with a lighting and electrics plan that has all the detail on it and you can hand to the electrician! It will save you a lot on the long run! If you go with the architect route and are thinking of using a concept planner like OnePlan as you mention in your previous comment then whatever you do, don't wait until after the plans are done- get her on board now so she can help work with the architect! Also ask about her costs of a lighting and electrics plan for all rooms if you're not confident to do it yourself. As with anything definitely shop around and get two quotes for anything and make sure you know what you're getting for your money. As I mentioned before we used Gina from Create Perfect and she did all of our concept planning plus lighting etc, so I'd highly recommend her also when you're looking at different quotes. Key questions we found helpful to ask a concept planner when comparing quotes; What will I physically get at the end of the process to use with my trades? Will you be available to help me as the work progresses and how will I be able to contact you? What trade discounts can you pass onto me (this is a BIG one and saved us thousands!!!) Can you do my lighting plan? What's the costs and what will I get at the end of it to give my builder / electrician ? Will you come to my property to view it and see the light / plot / views to incorporate into the design and if so what's the cost of this? Also go with your gut- it's a brilliant but daunting process and you really need someone who you really like and click with you wants to help you and cares about your project! :) Hope this helps! Claire

A professional couple were delighted when they had the opportunity to move back into their cottage in Sawley, a village they have known and loved for many years. The traditional property which is hundreds of years old is quirky and full of character. However, when it came to replacing the old-fashioned kitchen they were presented with a number of problems, not least the low beamed ceiling which would not allow for standard-height kitchen cabinets. They decided to take advice from Katie Green at Heart of Your Home Kitchens of Waddington. Katie is well known for her ability to design around awkward spaces and her innovative kitchen designs that work on every level. As practical as they are beautiful, Katie’s designs are delivered on a super-intelligent CAD system that enables her to move things around and even accessorise the kitchen, enabling clients to see exactly what their new living space will look like. As well as the chunky ceiling cross beams, the Sawley cottage had uneven walls and floors. There was also a wall with an old chimney breast and alcoves – making the design complex but not impossible. “We knew exactly what we wanted but we were not sure if our ideas would work in such an old property,” explained the couple. “We had set our heart on a contemporary kitchen – a real contrast to what had been in before. We visited Katie’s beautiful showroom to discuss the design and we voiced our reservations as to whether a really modern kitchen would work in a cottage.” “Katie explained that the ceiling height wouldn’t be a problem as she was able to provide bespoke cabinetry.” With Katie’s help the couple chose German inspired Porter gloss handleless cabinets in a mixture of Dove Grey and Lava from the Biography collection. Chicstone worktops in chunky White Mirror were installed on the island with contrasting Pegasus for the sink area. “We didn’t think we would have room for an island unit as the kitchen is so small but it works perfectly!” Katie was also able to integrate the oven and microwave into the old chimney breast alcove and used the extra space to create more storage. “You wouldn’t know there was a chimney breast and alcove there,” said Katie who enjoyed working on the challenging project.” “It was a small space to work with but the result is really practical as there is lots of storage which is exactly what my clients specified. I’m really delighted with the finished kitchen which looks beautiful and complements the rest of the house perfectly.” The 3m x 5.5m kitchen has now been transformed from what was a tiny dark working area into a glamourous living space. Incorporated into the island unit is the latest Neff Venting Induction hob which eradicated the need for an intrusive chimney extractor. There is also a wine cooler in the island as well as a compact dining area for the couple. All the Neff appliances are integrated into the glossy bespoke cabinetry and when the wall cupboards are opened the doors glide effortlessly just a few millimetres below the old ceiling beams. The down-lighting under the cabinets and strip lighting in the island unit create atmosphere and ambience in the evening, while the glossy light grey marble floor makes the kitchen appear more spacious and airy. The end result has delighted the Sawley couple, who add: “We just left Katie to it as we had total confidence in her. Katie’s kitchen fitter Mick was fantastic – a total perfectionist.” “Initially we were unsure as to whether a contemporary kitchen in a relatively small space in a traditional cottage would work but everyone who has seen it is absolutely amazed. It really has the wow factor and we are just so pleased.” “We keep coming in here and just can’t believe the transformation!”

Its sounds like your new home has a lot of potential! I personally would keep the chimney as a feature as it adds character. You could have a sofa against the wall with the stairs and one against the top wall and a rug in the middle. You could also have a tv on either the left or right hand side of the red mark. I do think shelving is a good idea for a bit of storage, ornaments, plants, photos which brings a homely/warm and lived in feel to your home. https://cultartfusion.com/collections/furniture