Carleenimlach your fireplace is stunning. It is infact original in bungalow detailing, and the bricks are not painted. I know this treatment very well. They had a brick stain applied, which is a red oxide painted to give the appearance of an even red brick face, this was done when tuck pointing is applied to the mortar course. I can see yours was. It looks as though it was charcoal, also another Edwardian bungalow detail, and the lines accentuate the archway. The mantel itself is absolutely beautiful. I myself would restore the brickwork, and let this period detail return to being the heart of the home. The hearth bricks definitely need to go, in their place I would lay a single slab on stone, which is a little costly, but overall, is worth the expensive you save in defacing the brickwork anyway. I suggest a rough sawn bluestone slab that will further enhance the charcoal tuck pointing, and grey is not only a current interior colour, but it is also what edwardian bungalows often featured. So you get to have a current, updated interior whilst preserving the beauty and character of a period home. This is where the homes value lies.

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.

Have you been to visit some kitchen showrooms? You can customise the photo search here on Houzz quite a bit. For example, you can simply select [dark wood[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/kitchen-design-ideas-with-dark-wood-cabinets-phbr1-bp~t_10444~a_17-103) cabinet finish in the filter options. Then add more filters like floor colour, kitchen layout, cabinet style, wall colour etc if you wish. Leave the benchtop and splashback options open and see what results you get. You can then save any photos that appeal to your ideabook.

When it comes to kitchen design for a ranch house renovation, you may want to consider the following factors: Space and layout: Ranch houses typically have an open floor plan, so you can create a kitchen that flows seamlessly with the surrounding living areas. Consider the space available and the placement of windows and doors when deciding on the layout of your kitchen. Style: Ranch houses often have a mid-century modern or rustic aesthetic, so incorporate these design elements into your kitchen renovation. For example, you could use warm wood tones, clean lines, and vintage-inspired fixtures to create a timeless and inviting space. Storage: Adequate storage is essential in any kitchen, but it's especially crucial in a ranch house where storage space may be limited. Consider incorporating cabinets, shelves, and other storage solutions that maximize the available space without overwhelming the room. Lighting: Good lighting is essential in any kitchen, but it's particularly important in a ranch house where natural light may be limited. Consider incorporating a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Ultimately, the best kitchen design option for your ranch house renovation will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider working with a professional designer or architect to help create a space that meets your functional and aesthetic goals. You can contact house tiling services Sydney. They are professionals in tiling