Hi Jen and everyone else who has made a comment. You always need to consider your personal use in a space, if there is a lot of water involved tiles a definitely the best choice. Timber look alike tiles just like the Hampton style is a bit fashionable at present like many things were before. What is really important is to really love what you select or what someone may select for you. If you love the selections then they will work for you for many years to come and if they are proportionately correct and balanced and not clashing with other choices; suiting your climatic and general environment and effectively in harmony with there surrounds then these choices will work for others too down the track. Poor choices and poor design which is not well thought through is really the true reason for why things seem date or they just do not work. So all in all Jen timber tiles may be the best choice based on what you have told us about your space.

The engineered floorboards are what they are calling hybrid floors aren't they? They are "floating". Whereas the vinyl look planks are glued down and don't make the click clack sound when you walk on them. I was recently told that the only surface that can withstand water spills is the vinyl floor. I think they said that the hybrid floor will last for 24hrs with water on it without being ruined. I would be interested to see what other people have found to be the case. I have puppies at my place and I would hate for them to wee somewhere and me not see it and them ruin the floor. I like the hybrid floor because it feels more real, but the guys at the flooring shop loved the vinyl planks and what they said about water spills had me thinking that I will need to go with vinyl planks

G'day Folks, My wife and I, like Jess (Strons) am a very proud owners of Nore Furniture, still used daily, and purchased in the late 70's! The collection includes a dining Table/dining and lounge chairs, coffee/lamp tables, and a Buffet. Interstingly, when we have visitors, the two Nore lounge chairs in the lounge are always taken before the modern lounge suite is used. (which annoys me, as the Nore furniture are the more comfortable by far) The remaining items are used in our Family/Ding area. Due to having constant use over the last 6 years with grand children, several of these magnificent pieces of Art are needing a little lift, re damaged finish. If your father does remember the stain details, I would appreciate his advice! The pride, skill, and love that went into this furniture still shines thru to this day! Cheers Dennis

I had a very similar staircase in a commercial building -- if anything it was worse -- there was a 20 metre long hallway leading to it , all with light grey walls and white ceilings , polished wooden steps and handrail . The hallway was concrete floor , painted a mid grey . I own the building , and wanted to lease it out , and didn't have much money at the time ( I still don't haha ) . I did black onyx tiles on the hallway floor ( I realise you aren't doing the floor ) ; 40mm x 8mm varnished pine 'rail' along the wall 1200mm from floor height , and wallpapered from the skirting up to this rail in a burgundy and gold striped wallpaper ( the gold was in 2 stripes of different widths , so I guess you'd say burgundy wallpaper with gold stripes ) . The hallway already had LED downlights , I added a 800mm diameter gold and crystal waterfall chandalier up the stairs , and to finish , I added several prints in gold frames ( I purposely used different sizes ) along the walls ( screwed on as it is acommercial building ) . I thought it gave the place a lift , cost around $3k and a week of my time , the building was leased to pretty much the first business that viewed it , they are still there 8 years later , and they even got a sign made that is halfway up the stairs , with all their details and logo , in gold lettering on black background , with a fancy gold frame around it ! Got a bot off track sorry -- but yeah , I'd do a 'break rail' at least on the wall without the handrail , and wallpaper down to the steps . I guess you could paint , but I wouldn't .