Thank you all! Fiona, the tv wall mount would be very difficult to move..this would be a last resort. Old house = asbestos = wanting to minimise major wall alterations! As for putting the chairs on either side of the kitchen door, I tried this before, and did just again, (I'm a sucker for punishment) and it probably would have been a good look, but the front door opens into the chair on the left side of the kitchen door/opening (on the left side when faxing the kitchen). There is a very limited space here, and the door swings through most of it, it is kind of dead space. Although a long narrow table along the wall was my vision for this area - a place to pop keys etc and put some much needed decorative features. The only other variation I can do is to angle the chairs slightly from where they are now, so that they angle in towards each other (with the one closest to the tv facing slightly away from it. There's only two of us and when we have people over we generally aren't watching tv (we don't watch much at all) anyway. So what is the overall verdict, after all that? Do you think we can still achieve an ok look with the configuration we have, perhaps with a different couch and all the decorative features previously mentioned? Or do I have to sell my chairs too? Although not keen to do that, I would if it means having a room I'm happy with. Thanks again! I have felt very supported by you all during this very stressful weekend of managing a decorating crisis!

HI Renae, I like your colour choice black & white, I went all white in my renovations of kitchen & bathroom and just by adding a bright coloured fruit bowl, vase, pot plant and a small painting in the kitchen made the kitchen look fresh whilst in the bathroom I just added bright towels bath mat. I changed the colours in winter to warm colours and cooler colours in the summer both kitchen and bathroom. These are simple and cheap things to change a look whilst if you go for timber it can date quickly and timber absorbs moisture so it has to be looked after (time consuming and $) looking forward to seeing your finished renovations.

Personally I would leave it light, a wooden look will make your colour scheme look darker unless that is what you are going for, keep it a creamy colour to match the render, I think the street appeal is nicer when lighter, gives a nice clean look, just my opinion though. As an addition to my answer, soften the whole look with plants side of garage and in pots each side of door, I stand to my decision that the wooden look will not make it pop but in fact darker the whole exterior and therefore the kerb appeal as I am just retired art restorer my eye for colour and detail is pretty good and been admired but ultimately the decision is what you are looking for and if will it suit your objectives, yes the garage looks larger due to the lighter colour but a darker wooden look will make the whole look darker, so in my opinion less street appeal, even a coloured bougainvillaea to soften and bring colour can soften the whole appearance of the front maybe a climbing one or another plant of your choice that will do the same, darker colour doors is what it says, DARKER! Another way would be to paint soft stripes of a TONAL colour to the door like white with beige for example that breaks the white up but keeps it classy and light for the street appeal, hope this helps you. I would paint the stripes the same way as your upright render and definitely in the same beige tone add maybe a fountain to the greenery in the front of the home as well, these ideas will draw the eyes from the white garage door, you don't have to do all but that is a few suggestions from my point of view, Once again hope these extra ideas help in your decision.

Moving into a new home or upgrading an older one comes with plenty of responsibilities. One important step you can’t overlook is arranging a reliable gas supply. Whether you’re planning to cook with gas, heat water, or run heating systems, you’ll need a safe and well-organized setup. Getting this right from the start not only keeps your home comfortable but also ensures everything runs efficiently and safely. In this guide, we’ll explore what’s involved in setting up gas services, the steps you should take, and what to expect during the process. By the end, you’ll feel confident about arranging your supply and making informed choices for your property. Why a Proper Gas Setup Matters Gas is one of the most commonly used utilities for households, powering everything from ovens and heaters to hot water systems. A good setup gives you convenience, efficiency, and lower running costs compared to some alternatives. But it’s not just about comfort. Gas also comes with safety concerns if it’s not installed correctly. Poorly managed connections can lead to leaks, fire hazards, or even health risks. That’s why professional installation and proper planning are absolutely essential. If you’re arranging a gas connection to house, you’ll need to go through certain steps depending on whether your property is brand-new or already has an existing line. Understanding the process saves you time, stress, and often money too. 1: Check Availability in Your Area The first step is confirming that gas services are available in your location. Not all areas have access to mains gas, especially rural properties. If your area doesn’t support a natural gas connection, you may need to look into alternatives such as LPG bottles or other energy sources. You can usually check availability through your local council, a distribution company, or by contacting licensed providers directly. Knowing this upfront helps you decide the right energy plan for your home. 2: Understand Your Property’s Needs Every property has different requirements, so it’s important to assess what systems you’ll be using. For example, do you plan to install a gas cooktop, central heating, or just a hot water system? The answer will determine the size of the connection and the type of meter you’ll need. Older homes may require upgrades to handle modern appliances safely, while new builds often need fresh installations. This is also the stage where you can decide if renewable-friendly or energy-efficient appliances might save you money in the long run. 3: Contact a Licensed Provider Once you’ve assessed your needs, the next step is to reach out to a licensed gas provider. They’ll guide you through the application process, discuss connection timelines, and provide cost estimates. For most homeowners, the provider will coordinate with the gas distributor to arrange the physical installation. You’ll also need to choose an energy plan that fits your usage, balancing affordability with reliability. Remember, only licensed professionals can legally perform gas installations. Attempting a DIY job isn’t just unsafe—it’s often illegal and could void your insurance. 4: Organize the Connection When it’s time for the installation, a technician will come out to connect your home to the network. This may involve laying underground pipes, fitting a meter, or upgrading existing infrastructure. For new builds, this step can take longer, especially if your property is in a developing area without established connections. If you’re arranging a natural gas connection, the provider will also inspect your appliances and ensure everything complies with safety standards before switching on the supply. Expect some paperwork here—compliance certificates are usually required to confirm the system is safe. 5: Safety Checks and Inspections Before the supply goes live, a licensed technician must carry out safety checks. They’ll inspect pipes, valves, and appliances for leaks or faults. This step protects your household from risks and ensures your installation meets government regulations. For older properties, safety checks are particularly important. Over time, wear and tear can make gas systems less reliable. Upgrading or replacing old pipes might be necessary to avoid problems later. 6: Meter Setup and Billing Once your gas is connected, the provider will install a meter to track usage. This meter is how your consumption is measured and billed. Some homes may still use basic meters, while newer properties might have smart meters that can be tracked digitally. At this point, you’ll also set up your account with the provider. Options often include paperless billing, direct debit, or online portals where you can track usage in real time. This makes it easier to manage costs and avoid surprises on your bill. 7: Monitor and Maintain Your System After everything is set up, it’s not the end of the journey. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your gas system safe and efficient. Licensed professionals recommend servicing appliances such as heaters and hot water systems every couple of years. You should also learn where your main shut-off valve is located. In case of an emergency, knowing how to shut off supply quickly can make a huge difference. Keep emergency numbers for your provider handy too. Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them Setting up gas services usually runs smoothly, but a few challenges can come up. One common issue is delays, particularly if your property is in a new development or requires major infrastructure upgrades. Costs can also surprise some households, especially if excavation or extra installation work is needed. To avoid problems, plan early. Contact your provider well in advance of moving in, ideally a couple of weeks before. Confirm all fees upfront and ask about timeframes so you can schedule your move accordingly. Making the Process Easier There are a few simple ways to make gas setup less stressful. First, keep all paperwork organized, including contracts and compliance certificates. Second, consider bundling your gas with other utilities like electricity or the internet—many providers offer discounts when services are combined. Finally, always double-check your first bill to ensure charges align with what you agreed upon. By staying proactive, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your utilities are in order and your home is ready to run smoothly. Final Thoughts Arranging a gas setup might not sound like the most exciting part of moving into a home, but it’s definitely one of the most important. It keeps your household safe, ensures everything runs smoothly, and gives you the comfort you expect from day one. Whether you’re dealing with a brand-new build or upgrading an older property, the whole process becomes much simpler with good planning and the right professional help. By starting early, working with licensed experts, and prioritizing safety, you’ll enjoy reliable service without unnecessary stress. With everything connected and running, you can settle into your home knowing your gas supply is ready to meet your daily needs.