The trim in your rooms is outstanding. To "tie the rooms together", the one thing I would do is install chair rail the same color as the existing trim. The horizontal lines of chair rail will move the eye around the room and into the next room creating a flow. Chair rail is relatively inexpensive, easy to install and would be wonderful compliment to your existing beautiful trim.

Thanks for your comments. I think we've decided on wooden flooring throughout the open plan space but it's just what we do in living area. We had wanted carpet to get that warm cosy affect. We are considering under floor heating but I understand that can be expensive. I know we can put a rug down although I'm not sure whether that will have the desired warm and cosy feel. The other option is to fit carpet in a rectangle or circle shape in the living area. Just not sure how that's going to look and how best to join it to the wood so that it looks good. I've not seen open areas with carpet and tiles/wooden flooring...it seems that usually flooring is the same throughout with a rug in the living area. Any suggestions? I attach a plan which shows what it will hopefully look like. The dining table will go near to the patio doors. The sofa will be in an L shape with the back to the kitchen on one side and the other back to the dining area on the other side. Any flooring ideas would be appreciated!

A15) @Dara Cooke: If you can't afford a quartz or granite worktop from day one then I would recommend using a laminate worktop as a temporary solution. If you don't put tiles up as a backsplash then replacing the worktops can be relatively easy in a couple of years.

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!