chookchook2 - we have linoleum in our kitchen. 10 years on, still looks great, easy to clean, forgiving underfoot and dropped items don't always break :) Love it so much, we will be using it throughout our new beach house (except bathrooms). Try searching Forbo Marmoleum - the colours alone are eye candy, and you may find a link to a state rep.

Easily the most difficult "area" to decorate for us has proven to be awkward space under the stairs! It's huge, oddly shaped, and completely blank! We've decided to hire someone to build some storage and a bar in the area. Stay tuned for how that works out for us :)

I really dislike the way paling fences look just a few years after being built. Solution: paint them with fence stain. I can't understand why more people don't do it. They look amazing and also weather better, so you don't need to replace your fence too often. robandlyn it's time you house-break your sons and make them clean their own bathroom... If they're old enough to shave, they're old enough to clean up IMHO.

If you see "Where to invade next" (Michael Moore's new movie) it is a fascinating insight into some scandi (and Icelandic and a few suprises!) culture. Makes me realise our lemming like behaviour to follow 'merica is very misguided!