LondonClaire's Profile

Totally agree with Saissan. The lounge at the front becomes a bedroom/study and the bedroom between the kitchen and main bathroom gets opened into the kitchen, with a doorway into the billiard room.

With such a small space think about multi-purpose furniture, such as a coffee table that can also be used as a dining table. If you don't like that, a nest of side tables may be more use than a coffee table - which may block the flow of movement in such a small space. Here's one example:

http://dwell.co.uk/107106/Rise-extending-coffee-table-white/

Definitely a warm white, but I think it also needs other work to address the cold look of the space, as every surface appears shiny and hard (although I do note a toddler's toy out the window, which probably limits options on the floor and low-level areas). Such as:
- Some big pictures or mirrors on the wall
- Pelmets above the blinds in a white but heavily textured material
- An oversize focus light fitting above the dining room
- Some floating shelves on the walls, displaying some bold pieces (above toddler height)

Have a look at the texture and visual interest in some of these rooms:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/paint-color-portfolio-pale-gray-living-rooms-178769?img_idx=2

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/beautiful-black-furniture-color-roundup-173101

Or this toddler friendly renovation (note the high shelves!)

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/from-scary-to-sublime-a-gorgeous-gut-renovation-in-australia-170995

Can I second Pi on the grey suggestion - grey and yellow look great together. Google some images and find one you like.

Definitely look into other fireplace options - for example, could a flu-less fireplace be inserted in the gap? They're not particularly energy efficient but then neither is an electric heater. This is the type of think I mean:
http://www.gelfireplaces.com/

Painting the stone fireplace, woodwork and walls in pale, neutral colours would make the room larger and would be a very cheap way to make the space feel lighter and brighter. If you are overwhelmed then taking it back to neutral gives you flexibility to try different looks with cushions, curtains, pictures etc.

Installing mirrors (over the fire place and/or on the back wall) to reflect natural light would help lighten the room too.

Have a think about layout and how you use the room - at the moment everything is pushed back against the wall and you have a large TV covering the one source of natural light (although this might be because you had to rip up the carpet and have moved the furniture around). If the room is used as a living room and study, think about how you could divide the space. For inspiration look at how some of the Small Cool entrants divide up their spaces. If it was me I would have the couch opposite the fireplace, with the desk behind it like this:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/making-space-desks-behind-the-113137

Best of luck!

Whatever you do test run the dishes before the big day! That way you won't get any nasty surprises on the day (like discovering you are missing a key ingredient or that the recipe underestimates the time taken to soften those damn chickpeas!)

Some curry dishes actually improve if you make them the day before (like dahl - just add any fresh herbs like coriander at the last minute). Kulfi ice cream you can also make in advance and freeze. If you are making samosas you can make the filling the day before and fold it into the pastry on the day. That way you get to enjoy her company on the day, as opposed to being stuck in the kitchen.

Paneer is great - cubed and marinated in some tikka masala paste over night and grilled, then served on a salad it's an easy starter.

Pappadams can also be cooked in the microwave - look it up online. The flavour isn't quite the same, but if you're new to cooking it might be less terrifying than deep frying them while also trying to cook a dozen other things. Good luck!

What about subtly dividing the living room space and creating a 'corridor' space? For example:

- A low, narrow bench to the right of the entry door when you come in, with space for shoes. Here's one example, but go with a style to suit your decor: http://www.gamblehouse.org/nnb/object/425.html
- A rectangular rug leading from the front door to the bedrooms
- Possibly a hall table on the wall near the kitchen. Here's a great selection http://vtinteriors.blogspot.com/2008/12/hall-tables.html