Living room

Walls

“Think twice before knocking out all the walls to create a cavernous space. You might wish to keep partial walls to create living zones.” Derrick Macrae, interior architectural designer, DM Designs & Concepts; www.dmdesigns.com.au.

Joinery/storage

“Wellplanned living spaces have a place for everything, which includes all the things that don’t need to be out on display. If the joinery is being built in,

I try to make sure it ties in with that in the kitchen so there is a consistent, harmonious scheme.” Stewart Horton, interior designer, Horton & Co; hortonandco.com.au.

Electricals/lighting

“Placement of the TV and data points is important and will help you work out the layout of furniture and how you’ll use the room. Do you have an amazing view to think about? Is the sun going to shine on the TV? For lighting, go for a mix of overhead options – downlights, pendants or a combination – then place powerpoints where you can add mood lighting in the form of table and floor lamps.”