Ok fair point! The ceiling looks lower than it probably is and has no style to it. No great light, colour - just.... Nothing! The blue rug doesn't match any other shade of overused blue - by match I mean compliment. Should I go on??? I'm sure some people take a photo every time they open up a paint tin. I don't drool I tell it like it is, if it's good I'll say so!

I'd go with his choice, because even if it wasn't 'my' style, I'd rather feel like he's taking an interest and equally invested in our home together. Plus, if I'm being completely honest, I think his taste is probably better than mine. ;) He rarely has an opinion on anything house-related, so when he puts his foot down, I go along with it: and on each occasion, it's been exactly the right decision. Example: I wanted the whole house painted out in ecru and antique white because it looks awesome with oak floors and I'm kind of a minimalist. Hubby insisted on painting the lounge room in yellow. YELLOW. I thought he'd lost his mind... but I went with it, because I get my way 99.9% of the time, so why quibble about the 0.1%? He insisted that 'in Winter, you'll be glad we have this warm, cozy colour'. And you know what? Every Winter, I love that room. It's an odd duck compared to the rest of the house, but damned if it doesn't actually work surprisingly well. It'd definitely be too much to take as a house-wide theme - but contained as it is, it's pretty great.

Hi Kitchens by Matric, I did actually contact you. You came out to measure etc. However, after that it was very difficult to get a hold of you to actually get my quote. You rang once or twice and I tried several times after that. So I never actually received my quote. The frustrations!

Great space, Marcie. Certainly, dark colours will help to create a more intimate space. Cool colours work beautifully with white plantation shutters creating a restful space. Looking at the room now, I suggest you need to incorporate some texture. Seagrass wallpaper is a great start. A textured rug between the bed and the large picture window will help make the space more intimate. Add a couple of tub chairs by the window at the edge of the rug, and add cushions and throws that co-ordinate with your final colour choices. You may even wish to add a couple of big leafed indoor plants. Decide on your theme - coastal, tropical, shabby chic, southern belle, contemporary - these all work with plantation shutters - and then add colours, textures, and lighting to suit. Cheers, Penelope