Wow, I didn't expect so many responses, thank you so much for your time and ideas. I do know that the art is wrong but had to put something up from our last house while we settle in. I do find the fireplace a bit un-friendly and so I would consider changing the colour of it even just the border of it like one of the photos shows. I'm not keen on the small computer cabinet or the ladder shelving I have to admit. I was thinking more of putting 3 full width cherry wood shelves, bottom one being wider and desk height, changing the light fittings to down lights and maybe having a wallpaper or painted backdrop behind the shelves?? I realise I would have to get rid of or change the wallpaper on the other wall and change the curtains too. I take your point, many of you said it, about the curtains needing to fall straight, but I will need a wider pole to do that. Again many thanks, AnnaMarie ps we are in Ireland now but lived in australia for many years and that picture over the mantle is of an old aussie shed with moon light on it.

Hi, Hoping that someone might be able to give me some advice. We're buying a new house - the owners had a 120cm wide range cooker (not included). I'd been looking at RangeMasters but the max width they come in is 110cm wide. Ranges at the 120cm wide seem to be much more expensive and while I've no doubt that they're really good, RangeMasters are as much as we can really afford to spend at this point. Does anyone know if it will look terrible/ok if I just install a 110cm cooker in the 120cm slot? Or if there's anything I could do to fill the gap? Are there any good quality 120cm wide range cookers at the 2k price mark? I'd consider buying a second hand range cooker but not sure whether this is a good idea or what to look for? Would really appreciate any advice! Thanks!

Hello. I see you posted in December, but if you haven't already re-arranged: 1. I agree wholeheartedly about the roman blinds. (Nifty idea to reuse the great fabric of the curtains. I didn't think of that one ) 2. I'd move the armchair to the left of the fireplace where the lovely vase is. Vase under bay window instead maybe? 3. Put the TV on the wall below the framed photos: 90 cm above floor level is a comfortable height for seated viewing. 4. Then the sofa can go on the opposite wall, it's more welcoming when you walk in the door from the hallway. (To the left of the bay window) As for small L-shaped sofas, the smallest I've seen is a sofa bed from IKEA. Very tidy but I've not tested it for comfort. Has integrated storage for bed covers. Neat. 5. Then turn your rug and coffee table 90 degrees, parallel with the fireplace wall and in line with the bay. (Turning the long axis of these items across the width of the room will make it appear wider, especially where you already have the extra width of the bay.) Without dimensions of these items and the room I can't be sure will that fit. But if you're not already sorted I guess it's worth a try.

I'd love some advice on how to arrange my living room furniture, starting with a completely blank canvas. The room will be used as a child-free retreat, mainly in the evenings for reading, watching movies and some entertaining. The window faces south east so it is bright during the day and looks over the front garden. We will probably get built ins around the fireplace to store books. I am thinking about getting a corner sofa oriented towards the tv on the right side of the fireplace but I am worried then that the wall opposite the window will just be blank. I'd like to put a chair there too but when you are entering the room I think it will appear to stick out a lot. What could I put on that wall? Could I orient the room the opposite way by putting the tv on the left of the fireplace or would that feel strange entering the room between couches? Would it be better if the door opened the opposite way? What size should the sofa be, given the room is 4.1x4.2m? I have attached a diagram of the room layout and what I am thinking currently. Any suggestions welcome! Thank you!