@turner3477 YIKES! You already had the "aged look" and a very unique timber cabinet. wherever did you get it? I still think this trend of "paint it black or paint it black and white or paint it white is a psychological dilemma where people don't know how to use colour or are scared of it...or are afraid that they will not be "en trend" and keep up with the "Joneses". Don't mean to insult anyone's sensibilities but its how it looks and feels to me...everything old and genuine and beautiful being veneered to look trendy and plasticky. I'd be delighted to find a timber cabinet like that one as opposed to the the painted white version....and if I was at all tempted to investigate the white one to see what it was made of, my first instinct would be to have a feel and a scratch of that lovely decorative carved frieze above the benchtop....to see if it were made of a plastic mould and just stuck on. Sad to say this but what you have made of this cabinet is "what I call " fashionable fake". One redeeming feature though, whether it has any significance for you at this point in time is that at least under the paint, you know you have a genuine, solid timber cabinet that would have been worth something one day and maybe still will be when somebody, 30 yrs from now, recognises it for what it is and lovingly restores its genuine identity rather than mistaking it for junk and throwing it out to be replaced by the next lot of stage scenery. Wonder what the next "fashionable fake" will be made of when people have forgotten what solid timber and craftsmanship is? Don't know where you live....but would you like to sell me that cabinet at all ? I'd give it the life it deserves and I am sure you could find another one that would look every bit what you want to achieve in your space..(.In fact I could knock up a pretty good imitation replacement myself...not that I'd want it). I like watching` those antique shows in Britian where people bring old wares to be appraised and where antique dealers enter people's homes to buy collectables. It is on these programs that one learns the true value of the timeless pieces...some of which seem like old junk...but what surprises when what looks like junk turns out to be worth investing in! Apart from the above...enjoy your pristine French Provencale dream!

I don't think I can move back in with my parents..and once my kids are older I don't think they can live with us.. I have had my mother in law stayed with us before ..2 days at a time was fine then she came to stay for 2 weeks ..after one week I moved out ..we were fighting all the time ..me and hubby..in the end I left him a letter explaining why..because I didn't want him to have to take sides lol my dad didn't talk to me for weeks for loss of face..my parents asked me when I'm older and what happens if my son's wife did that to me? I'd never expect my son to choose me over his wife..lol may be it's me I've seen plenty that I wouldn't wish on another female.. my kids have all been brought up to be independent ..they are also very strong willed and stubborn as..so no thanks we've worked hard ..the rental we just bought is for them when they are older and have jobs I'm kicking all of my three kids out into the rental lol I want time to go travelling ..peace and quiet ..

If I were you I'd consider a rug that has the neutral tones but also something that has a bit of colour that you can use for inspiration to then pull out for cushions. Remember browns can be cool (blue/grey) or warm (orangier). It looks from the picture that the browns in the pic are warmer so i would go orange/magenta. Keeping in mind I know nothing about your style or colour preferences, I put together this visual to give you an example of how you could work it by pulling out colours from the rug, using texture for interest and mimicking the circles in the picture to bring it together. You may also be interested in reading a blog I wrote a while ago about how to pick a colour theme that works.

Yes Yes Yes..... As Good as it Gets.... has the best kitchen. I remember watching it, and kept going back, just to see the kitchen. Actually the whole house was just the best PLUS a great movie to. I ended up buying the dvd just to keep reminding me how good the kitchen looks. I'm in a confused mind as to weither I paint my kitchen cupboards or change the benchtop. You can comment on my site as I have just posted my kitchen last night. So yes, I will refresh my memory by watching movie again. Good luck Debbie.