I see this is a very old thread , with lots of comments . I've just skim read them , but I haven't seen anyone suggest anything like my 'top-of-my-head' idea -- I love the wood , and the white contrast , but pretty boring . Whats your favourite colour , or what ties in with the other rooms ? It might be blue or red or yellow or orange or green , as examples . So paint the skirting board and around the door a pastel shade of your choice , and add a small 30cm x 30cm abstract painting featuring that colour as the primary dominant one , above ( or possibly below , or maybe even get 2 matching/complementary ones ) the control panel . One lighting crowd suggested glass shades -- I'd actually go for someothing large but wooden , in much the same shade as your floors and steps , with LED bulbs -- you can get some stunning ones around 80-100 cm in diameter ( sort of a star ball shape ) for $300-400 . Total budget then $500 plus a painter and maybe electrician , unless you DIY .

Good point! While stains are more prominent on neutral sheets, they're timeless, gender neutral and easier to accessorise. And yeah, bedlinen can be bleached. Alternatively you can mix up your own bleaching concoction using - 1/2 a cup of baking soda + your usual detergent + 1/2 white vinegar

What company is supplying the wormy chestnut? Some companies claim theirs is sourced from the Vic Govt, and is certified sustainable. It mainly is cut in East Gippsland from old growth forests. On the other hand some suppliers are saying its from rejuvenated forests some years after bushfires So both types of timber come from old forests. Wormy chestnut is now in fashion because of its lovely markings, as the trees often grow twisted.

Hi Some floorboards can have a finish applied as they come raw whilst others cannot without work. It depends on the brand and finish. I suggest you speak to the installers and get hold of the manufacturers rep to ask about the finish if it is not readily available at the point of sale. You should be able to just have the floor lightly buffed after it is installed (ie scratch/rough up the existing polish) to create a purchase for the new polish without actually sanding down to the timber. You do need to know what type of finish it is ie oil based or water based on the original boards as they can sometimes react with each other if you change. Then your sander can apply the new finish. Cheers