Latest update! Made a few changes to the book cabinet to the left of the fireplace. Added chrome legs to match the legs on the tv cabinet and added doors to the top half to try to make it look less cluttered. The lighting in the photos isn't great but hopefully you get the idea.Am quite pleased with the result. Am still trying to decide on art for over the fireplace, keep changing my mind but considering getting this canvas (see picture).

There are several ways to visually widen a narrow hall and shorten a long hall. Floor: To widen a narrow hall use a diagonal floor treatment, e.g. stencil large diamond pattern on floor. To shorten the hall, use two or three runners to break up the length of floor rather than one long runner. Walls: Long walls can appear shorter by breaking up the horizontal lines.. This can be done by arranging pictures in groups rather than distributing them along the length of the wall. Hang a large painting, print or tapestry on the end wall or paint your door an accent color to create a feature. Another way to shorten a wall is create vertical sections on the wall. Trim can be used to create panels, groupings of art can create sections or large objects such as a mirror can define the segments. Directed lighting illuminating these section will also de-emphasize the length of walls. Ceiling: Minimize the visual impact of a long hall by bringing attention to the ceiling. One approach is to align the panel wall sections with ceiling panels or coffers. Or hang interesting pendant lights or a bold chandelier to redirect visual interest away from the walls.

Aliceandjohn I think your best bet is to search Houzz for inspiration rooms and ask yourself whether you like white rooms that use colour, or rooms with colour on the walls that have neutral furniture. (Or both? Either?) Collect a whole lot of pictures you like and see what predominates -- what makes you say yes, please, I want that! Categorise them, count them, make lists, do anything even if it seems silly. It costs zilch and tells you a lot about what you want.

Okay..... I've been having fun! I've attached the links below for some ideas but my best advice is go onto www.notonthehighstreet and look at their cushions and bedding etc. A theme would be good. Is there something they both like such as animals or circus or are you looking for something for them to grow with? What colours do they like? Is your boy extremely boyish (no pink mum!), is your girl fussy or strongminded? (my 2 year old is!)If you can find one thing that you really like and they both do too then it gives us a starting point. I'm thinking along the lines of plain bedding, a matching cushion on each bed in bright multicolours or an animal and then another cushion and throws to blend with the feature cushion. Artwork could be their names in letters (hobbycraft do brown ones that you can paint) or maybe even wall decals. A plain or multicoloured rug on the floor to match the theme. http://www.diy.com/departments/colours-cleo-multicolour-spot-rug-l17m-w12m/181996_BQ.prd# http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3568570.htm http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2880259.htm http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/ideahomeco/product/recycled-cotton-rag-rug-by-nordal http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/thefairground/product/personalised-quilt http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/frogsandsprogs/product/rainbow-chevron-baby-blanket http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/feltsogood/product/handmade-felt-multicoloured-ball-cushion Let me know how you get on!