I agree with everything said so far. Would suggest you get built in book shelvers on both sides of fireplace, lift tv into a slot it fits perfectly into (make sure you have power on both sides). Then it will disappear more rather than fight with fireplace as focal point. I am always disappointed with mirrors over fireplaces, they become dark, are to high to reflect much. Plus then you have three rectangles fighting for center stage. I'd say very colorful artwork instead. Wonder if you can reorient tv where the big chairs are so both tv and fireplace are addressed? Color, maybe you should decide on furniture first?

Because you already have your various cream/white elements in the room, it's important that you select and test colours within your space, to see what blends perfectly. Are you looking for a neutral scheme?

Hi Michele, self build is very exciting and we wish you luck for your upcoming project. We have various tips when it comes to our customers designing their home. As some have suggested above understanding how you and your family occupy the space is fundamental in making those early design decisions. We also tell self builders to put 'wants and needs' into 3 columns, must have, nice to have and luxury. This helps define budget and start with the fundamentals before progressing to those items such as cinema rooms or a top end kitchen worktop. There are many helpful tips on our Self Build Academy website also plenty of design and interior inspiration at Potton Self Build Galleries Before you decide that building your home is right for you, ask yourself four questions; Do you have the time and commitment to see your project through to the end. Do you have the skills and knowledge required for the task ahead Do you understand the cost involved and do you have enough money to complete the build Do you have a constitution strong enough to see you through both the highs and lows of building your own home Provided you understand your answers to these questions and can ‘fill the gaps’ when it comes to skills, knowledge, time and funding, then press ahead and enjoy what is probably going to be one of the most rewarding experiences that you will ever have in your lifetime!

Hi, We're looking for some design options for a house we are planning to buy. We love the house location but the kitchen \ living area is proving to be a bit of a dilemma. There is a lot of glass in the kitchen area with full length windows to the front and rear which limits the options for layouts. We had a kitchen design prepared but are unsure if this really makes the best use of the space - it includes a corner dining area which while using the space feels a bit cramped for a family of 5. Due to the door position into the kitchen the builders design looks odd as they have placed the kitchen table right in line of sight of the front door so placing the table there seems a no no. We want to have an island in the kitchen ( its plumbed etc for one ) which we can have up to 5 high seats around which is in the design. We would like to have a TV in the room ( again limited places to put one on the walls due to the glass ) and would like some suggestions on layouts there also ( maybe the TV has to go ! ) - without something that completely blocks the access to the rear doors. Any thoughts gratefully received !