How funny. I just renovated (on a budget) my small kitchen and added exactly the slate look in tiles you have, though they are in fact porcelain. And I placed them throughout the house for continuity. The tiler asked if I was after a retro hippy look but it doesn't look like that at all. My cupboards were the same colour as yours and I utilised the bones of the kitchen and had the doors and Benchtops changed only. I also have plenty of light in the kitchen but chose white doors and as I was on a budget I chose granite look Benchtops, they are very serviceable and it looks great. The blue backsplash was the colour lift and here you could choose any colour to your liking. Basically the kitchen ended up with white cupboards and appliances other than cooktop, with the stainless cooktop and coloured splash back being the focal point. The paint colour are: whisper white walls, integra splashback, white ceiling and for increased contrast I used the same white above the splashback on the rear wall. I would consider painting out the brick but leaving the texture.

I love how you can have your barbie guests sitting outside the bathroom eating their coleslaw while you shower. Next big trend? Australia leads the world in casual living!

Thanks for this Caroline. I talked to a tiler last week and he argued that you could not clean the tiles without fracturing and spider-webbing the surfaces, so I probably have to find a different way to use them. A pity! Hilary

Post grouting, and grout drying a fine layer of grout remains. It is easier to remove the next day, by wiping with a soft disposable cloth ( blue roll about $ 14 ) change cloth frequently. I it has been on there for some time, check with tiler if he/she sealed the tiles. If the tiles are not sealed...Tile shops sell grout remover, need to take care and clean each tile..to avoid the grout