Hey Anita - what did you decide?

I think terracotta too - totally depends on what you're comfortable with though. Try getting some samples and laying them over the top to get a feel for how it would look?

Hi there! We have just installed a very similar beveled subway tile in one of our homes and it looks magnificent (photos are to come very soon!) With the subtle grey tone to the bench top, the brighter white splash back will provide a nice contrast. I would suggest choosing the white of your cabinetry to be similar to the tile allowing the benchtop to be the feature!

siriuskey the grass trees are welded iron & wire, made by an artist who lives in our area, they are gorgeous and we don't have to worry about them dying! Yes you are right, the verandah is coming away from the wall, which is where the little birds nest ;) I love the last picture you posted and its the look we want. Interesting that all your images show grey/galv roof, which is what we want (not red). Mel N yes the cost is due to lack of tradies in the area so we have to add on travel, accommodation, meals. Also quote does not include removal of old iron & timber from site so we have to factor in dump fees. We could dispose of the timber battens easily enough, everyone needs firewood here, it's the iron that's expensive to dump. big reader yes she is a treasure, we love her. tessaway the house has plenty of light in the front rooms, it's very bright here, almost every day is sunny. We would just like to see the full height of the windows from the front garden. Maybe we should just enjoy the house, add pergolas to the sides and not worry about what she looks like from the street.