Thanks Helen. Actually I've read that Bristol paints have a record of the formulas used for Benjamin Moore's paints. Not sure if that's accurate though. Also thanks Tilly for all your suggestions. Ironically I used China White throughout an entire house many years ago and I loved it. I also used Whisper White for a lot of the painted shelving and some furniture. It was an open plan house and the colour scheme was seamless. Received lots of compliments. The woodwork in the rest of our current house is in Antique White USA (as are the walls), but I'm wanting to go for a more 'intimate' look in the sitting room, and I'm still drawn to the idea of a warm charcoal grey for the walls, and Antique white USA for the architraves, skirtings etc. I'm attaching a picture of the Benjamin Moore Rockport Gray, but I know it's impossible to choose a colour from a photo, but it will give you an idea of the colour scheme I'm wanting for that room. By the way I know what you mean by the picture rails limiting the use of walls. I'm attaching another photo I've found that shows a similar room (although a lot grander) without picture rails. But my partner is rather fond of the picture rails, and I can just imagine his response if I suggested they be removed! It's hard enough trying to decide on paint :)

Hi Helen Thank you.. If I cant find the black leather chairs I want in the design I want I will possibly do it in black fabric as that is available Your comments most welcome Thank u Desi

Diluted Bleach solution or mould cleaner for paintwork to wash the wall but it probably is in the wall & cause could be a water leak somewhere ...gloves, mask & protect your skin. Sleep in another room if possible, mould is bad!

I think that you need to consider the long term prospects of your property. With a single set of internal stairs it means that the occupant will be able to readily access both levels. But depending on their location they may prevent you to have a downstairs commercial tennant, and a separate upstairs apartment. Who knows what the future holds, and in my mind it is easier to design for future tennancy flexibility (and possibly a better return), if it is not going to be your forever home. By having a clean dileneation of functions, and separate entries, it means that you could live in the residence and let out the commercial space, or set up work in the commercial space, and let out the residence, and live somewhere else. You shouldn't have to exit the residence through the commercial part, it should be quite seperate. Your designer will need to check carefully with the building regulations regarding fire separation between different classes of use in a multi-use building, and ensure that the stair case complies with the egress requirements. I would avoid spiral staircases at all costs as they are difficult to move fridges, couches and beds, and for a narrow 6metre wide lot a simple straight stair that doesn't eat too much of the width is probably your most practical solution. Your new project needs careful design consideration for parking, outlook, natural light, garbage collection, tenancies, entries, fire-seperation and emergency egress so please get professional, local advice. Regards Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls