Mary, I am very glad to hear from you. I think of you often. It hurt me terribly when that unthoughtful person said what she said. I can only imagine how it must have hurt you. I would love to see how you have decorated for Christmas. I am almost certain there are differences between how our 2 countries do it. Take care and looking forward to seeing updated posts in the near future.

My understanding: You didn't find any problem functionally, but you feel this looks old & need some brightness & change in this. My advise: 1). Remove towel rod, shift it next to tub or behind closet & have full length mirror, which will make your space double & reflect natural light as well thus makes the space more bright. 2). Get couple of plants (small plants or bush type or creepers which doesn't occupy much space on floor but grows vertically). 3). Get some artifacts made from bright colored glass, can flower vase or wall hangings or glass tiles etc, these can be of yellow or Bright Orange color these are to be hung on walls opp to mirror or pasted(3M tape both side glued) if you are using tiles. 4). Get a mat of same color as artifacts & place between tub & closet. these all are easily done by yourself. OR if you can afford to then replace only green tiles & floor tiles if you wish to OR all tiles.

I would go with what the architect suggested. That was my immediate thought and also means that you will get light into your living area all day since the kitchen would be at the front and the living room at the back. It will be a nicer space to live in. If you really can't face bedrooms at the front though could you do something like this? It clearly isn't to scale!! You probably sacrifice a bit of space in that smallest bedroom but gain much more liveable floor space at the front of the house. It also gives your husband the open pan area he likes. It does sacrifice a separate entrance way though. I'd also shift the bathroom wall out and steal some space from the utility room so that you have a larger bathroom.

Hi lots of different options and ideas going on. I had a similar wall and understand how mean it can be to little ones. I bought and put up the expanding wood trellis. This instantly covered the area at a very reasonable price. I then planted quick growing climbing plants. I'm not a great gardener so I cant remember what i had but ask at the garden centre they will advise you. But at least you have a barrier in place to minimize accidents.