Hi, I had a Spotted Gum Timber Floor ( 10mm Real Solid Timber Single Planks ) in a penthouse apartment for 8 years . It was pre-coated in high gloss clear from the factory . When it was laid it was necessary to have a noise reduction 3mm foam under layer ( apartments underneath building noise requirement) . This method of installation actually made the floor very quiet and it also made it a little softer to walk over . When it got any scuff marks, they just easily wiped off with a damp cloth. When I sold the penthouse, the floor was in exactly the same condition as the day it was first laid - first class. It was only ever cleaned with a steam cleaner , no chemicals whatsoever . I would certainly recommend the pre-coated polyurethane gloss finish on the real timber planks to anyone, it was great ! You can just see a glimpse of the kitchen floor in the attached two images. Good luck with your specifying . High quality surface finishes normally stand the test of time . I have added a couple of extra images of the penthouse for interest. We did the interior design fit out after buying the shell from the developer. It was a stunning sky home . Cheers LAADP

yvonne.. re sanding cupboards I had mine professionally sanded because they were looking worn. timber is American Oak and it really didn't lighten very much by sanding. so depending on your timber you might not achieve much. i would change a few upper cabinets with glass doors, white perspex or remove a few doors, paint the back of shelving and hang wine glasses or whetever and break the load that way. I replaced my range hood with a pull out chrome one and that in itself made a difference nt tying in with the chrome handles. see pictures. maybe you could paint the legs or reupholster the stools to white...all part of the kitchen.

Thanks Siriuskey for your fotos.... beautiful Parquetry floors, beautiful home and stunning water views! I notice your parquetry floor transitions to grey tiles as well.... which is also very similar to what i will have happening. Im now very much leaning towards parquetry you'll be pleased to know. I collected some samples today, and noticed the store had them in a double formation which i'd never seen layed like that before. Its just 1 block of parquetry layed right next to another to make it seem thicker. I think it looks quite contemporary....check out the pic below from the timber showroom:(top half shows 2 blocks layed together in herringbone pattern) I placed a few of these on my floor as example No1, then i placed some in single herringbone as example No2 below. Which do you think looks better? - examples No1 double block herringbone - example No2 single block herringbone Thanks in advance for everyones input and feedback :-)

We have used Ecolour interior and exterior paints on our renovation and are very happy with this paint. It is low VOC and made in Australia. There is a store in Byron Bay, if that's not too far from you, or it can be ordered online and delivered to your home. You could speak with them regarding the suitability of their products for external sun in Queensland. They are made for Australian conditions, are advertised as environmentally friendly. They can colour match with Australian paint companies. Though for exact colours the paint companies always recommend using their own brand. You could also go to Dulux Australia's website and chat to a colour consultant online, re suggested choices for a white for external walls in Queensland sun, with terracotta roof to go with the colours you've mentioned. They are very helpful I've found. We have Snowy Mountains half trims and doors externally, which we chose as it wasn't too bright in the northern sun. You can also buy A4 sized colour swatches from Dulux to put up against your wall outside and see how the light reflects and what tones are coming off it. Place your other swatches of colours against it to see how they suit. Do you see any other houses in the neighbourhood that are similar colours to what you are hoping for? Do you have any Snowy Mountains Quarter left that you could paint on a board to see what it looks like outside with the other colours that you like?