If painting, use low VOC paint. When replacing things, look for low, or non outgassing furnishings. No sharp corners on tables etc. Choose safety features on blinds to eliminate strangling on cords. Non breakable ornaments/bowls down low. Breakables and hot coffees up high. A chest for toys, but sand down sharp corners. A small chair. Any tall furniture should be affixed to wall with brackets. Don't be in a tearing hurry to remove all kitchen walls that can have a baby gate attached to them. Burns by scalding in kitchens kill and maim.

I think the large mirror covering the whole wall will be too big with the tv right there. I am into the antlers but I don't think they relate to anything else in the room other than the fireplace itself. I think your best bet is a simple round mirror. I know you've been shopping locally - if you are open to online, overstock has a big selection. Here is one that incorporates some gold and silver so it picks up your chandelier but is still pretty simple. http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Raymond-Round-Mirror/8403155/product.html?refccid=2CDPCEBNTZLJLASNJPTJVEOR7M&searchidx=14

I think as well as adding life to the room with a different wall colour, you need to add some textures. But you have a great base to work from - well chosen sofa, floor, fireplace, etc. Great! The colour I would suggest you use in this space is called Sedgemoor by a company called Francesca’s Paints. I know you can’t get them over there in Ireland, but I have posted a picture of a room painted in this shade - perhaps you can get Dulux to colour match if you like it? You could then add a few cushions in natural colours, like dark brown, and possibly something like this from John Lewis: http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-luce-cushion/p519627?colour=Blackberry. I would also add some pattern/texture/interest into the scheme through cushions - I really love the idea of layering up a pile of these, like in the photo on the Heal’s website (also posted): http://www.heals.co.uk/content/ebiz/heals/invt/583041/583041_l1.jpg. Then another thing you could do is add a rug, I would probably go for a textured brown one like this tonal rug from Habitat http://www.habitat.co.uk/mohit-large-brown-tonal-rug-170-x-240cm/rugs//fcp-product/24124. Hope this post has helped! Good luck! x

Your room looks large and lovely but with an entrance at one end and a fireplace at the other can seem a bit long. Firstly take EVERYTHING out. This will show the room in the best advantage and get rid of clutter. Only put back things you absolutely love. I would put two sofas or a sofa and two chairs (they don't have to be a suite) in front of the fireplace OR get a solid coloured L shaped sofa as it seems you are orienting the room toward the TV. You could then put a nice rug under a light-feeling coffee table (maybe glass and wood to pick up your chimney breast) in the middle. This would allow you to get rid of the multiple small side tables. I would lighten up the alcoves alongside the fireplace, either paint or light wallpaper. Get a proper piece of furniture for the TV to stand on. TV stands are ugly. There's lots to choose from. Try IKEA. Take down the heavy curtains and put in Roman blinds in a print fabric you love (try to find one with at least 3 colours) and coordinate with your rug. You could then use colours in this to make/pick throws and pillows. At the end near the door you could put in a small table and your rocking chair and make it like a separate area for music or reading with a nice standing lamp. Get some inexpensive drum light shades to update the lighting and put in another standing lamp by your sofa, as mentioned above, and lower your pictures to eye height. Good luck!