Thanks for asking.. I am so happy.. the house was so decayed so we decided to rebuild the same look of a 100 year old cottage but move all the living to the front for the river view.. so happy we did it and went for light grey and white and yellow.. so pleased and we have people in the park comment.. we could not go any bigger because of council and flood zone but it makes it special as it is. Some pictures I just took.. I took a picture of the outlook so you can see why it feels just right.. still work to do as in the gardens and just finding the right plants to put in as it is full sun. Will ask for help on that one too to make it feel cottagey but not block the view. Thanks again for asking. Karen

Hi I love the lounge colour and your coffee table. I think if space is an issue and you need the study area go with the ply wood suggestion on the storage drawers and decorate with cool stationary accessories like bright folders and storge files etc. I love the teal green idea and also apple green cushions. I feel like with the lounge and coffee table style you could get away witth introducing some almost industrial accessories. I think metallics are great to lift a room and there are so many colours ranging from muted neutrals to bright gold and silver. I also love playing with texture and you can get some great metallic wall art, lamps, vases etc mixed with cosy throws and rugs. I love metallics teamed with neutral especially your grey walls and colour of your floor boards. Good luck and Happy decorating Kind regards Alison

would also love to know the best method but best food safe products would be olive or other cooking oil and let the everyday knocks and bumps add to the patina over time

There are lots of paint manufacturers apart from Dulux, and hundreds of whites that it could be. Unfortunately the natural light in the photo, the type of camera, any photo editing, and the adjustments on your computer screen make it impossible for anybody to say with any accuracy what the colour may be. The only way to find the right white is to get samples and make your own judgement on site. I always think that Perth light seems stonger and brighter than Sydney light - possibly due to Sydney's airborne pollution in the inner city? There are lots of online resources by various paint manufacturers about choosing the right white, but don't make selections from an online digital image as it won't be accurate. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls