I remember years ago being in a similar predicament and someone gave me some mirror tiles - I glued them on the the wall and thought I was very clever. They actually did look much better in my eyes. Try not to spend too much - I think everyone's idea of a shower curtain will all the bathroom colours in it would probably be the best option. You'll laugh about it in years to come and you will love the improvements you make over time. Enjoy the moment, unless you're selling soon your ideas will change after living there, so change when you can afford it - who cares it's YOURS. Good luck, it's so rewarding and so much fun. P.S. now we have a small bathroom, wall to wall tiles, dark grey on the floor and white on all the walls with a large grey tile up each opposing wall, tall mirror over the handbasin which reflects the opposite wall then a full length bath with shower over it. It works perfectly and looks great.

Firstly...are you sure they are jarrah and not som other more exotic timber? If you are fortunate enough to have a genuine 1932 built cottage I say "Don't Do it!" Just look at the beautiful timber in that floor! It would be sinful to paint it. I have a 1924 cottage with beautiful hoop pine floorboards all from the day it was built. My suggestion is to have the boards sanded and polished. I would not even dare go near them with polyurethane. I have turned back the clock and used the methods of the period of the house...a mix of pale boiled linseed oil and kero. Put it on with a mop or a deck mop or a wool mop leave it soak in. Re-do and leave it soak in,,,( you won't get patches...the floors will just soak it up.) Third coat, add a bit of turps to the mix as a white ant deterrent. Then, when the floors look like they've soaked up enough, get a big old fashioned string mop...if you can find one...or use a deck scrubber and old towels...or even a wad of new ones...100% cotton...its worth it, and rub off as much of the surplus as possible...wear sox so you will notice when the sox do not get oil stained anymore. First go is a long process but you will be really pleased when the floors have had several "drinks". After that you could get just an ordinary floor varnish or oil or just a sealant. Some of the modern wood treatments are really good. Then, every so often do the boards over with your "Oil Mop". You will never find timber like that again and, in my experience, it adds to the value of the house big time. Do what you like to any gyprock and plastered walls but PLEASE love your floorboards and any natural timber...especially from that era. I've been in this old cottage for 32 years. Everyone wants to know where I sourced the "new" floorboards", and who did I get to make my silky oak windows! Hope that helps.

Hearty Home. If it ain't broke don't fix it is your best slution. The pressed metal looked the part to moi; subtle character, and not like everyone elses. I've just renovated; all new kitchen has bevelled-edged white subways w' pale grey expoxy grout. Timeless is always timeless. Changing your pressed metal look could make the rest of the kitchen design look odd. I note this article is months old; So now I'm wondering what you did?

Hi Lidija, Very sorry to hear about your such bad experience! As I see this problem, the outcome you have got is the an arrow of tile installation. If sealer was applied on not well prepared surface, regardless that product and equipment you will use, the result would be the same. Another reason can be - wrong choice of sealer. Each product has its ingredients that can be suitable for one surface and not for another. The cleaning of any new product can’t be so complicated! If this would be my house, I will push on tiler! To prove my right, I will buy a square meter of the same tile and will lay on top of existing floor (with some non-slip cloth to prevent scratches) and ask my family to use it as normal and see look of it before and after cleaning. I will talk to a tile shop and ask product specification. If manufacture guarantees spotless finish and my little sample area looks normal and clean after regular cleaning everything is points to a tiler. If I’m correct, there is an organisation calls Builders Board, that you can contact in case of any issue. If floor finish was part of your building contract, builder is fully responsible for result. By end of the day, you deal with professionals and they should provide you with best advice on product you use. If tile was laid by your contractor, you still can find Tradesman comity who should provide you with advice. Or call consumer protection. To my opinion, you should stop wasting money and your time, trying to find a cleaning solution. Just remember, NO new product must be SO hard on maintenance! Using all sorts of cleaning products, can course sealer damage and you won’t be able to prove anything after. I hope you will sort this situation sooner than later and will enjoy your new house without all these worries. We had the worst experience with building our new house and totally understand your feelings! All best of luck to you and your family! With regards Natela