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 think Riven refers to the texture of the surface. Ours looks and feels like real timber, and is not a flat shiney surface like most Laminex. Still very durable and water proof. I believe that it should only be used on vertical surfaces, which was not problem for us. Floors are a real personal taste thing. We got samples of the flooring and samples of the Sublime Teak, and then procrastinated for weeks. Our flooring has texture to it as well. We also had help form a great designer who worked in the tile store we used.

We have just finished renovating two bathrooms and I was adamant I didn’t want shiny chrome. I insisted on Astra Walker’s brushed platinum tapware and fittings. Whilst it does look a bit gorgeous, I’m afraid it’s not worth the extra 25-30% we paid for it (shhhh, thank god my husband isn’t on Houzz!!). With all special finishes I find you need to be quite particular about wiping down the fittings otherwise they look grubby with water stains. Hindsight you marvelous thing, you’re always 20/20 aren’t you??!! I’ll be sticking to good quality chrome if we ever renovate again. Especially since you can get such a wide variety of styles that suit anything from a Victorian style bathroom to pure minimalism. Good luck.

Hi Katrina We understand your dilemma! Its so important to find a vanity that can withstand everyday use. The stone top material we use at Fontaine for our vanities is a high quality quartz stone which is incredibly durable for everyday use! We have some great scandi style vanities that would be perfect for your bathroom. https://fontaineind.com.au/frederick-900-wall-mount-vanity Or some other timber material vanities that suit your needs and style! https://fontaineind.com.au/vanity-units/timber-vanities Good luck!