You can definitely combine different timbers in your scheme. Furnishings will tie into your floors as a material rather than a tone, although the red tone in jarrah is quite dominant, it would be a mistake to ignore that. I would opt for warm pigments and colour notes, but not so light on the walls that you emphasize the red by contrast! Without knowing your stele in furnishings, interior directions, I am making suggestions on rooms I have seen or created that do work in this scenario. You will take from it what is relevant. I have seen a rich wine colour, which does look fantastic with timber furniture, it creates a moody ambience which is rich and has a sophistication to it. Lighting is key to creating a successful look with rich tones. This deep rich plum shade can be used for modern, traditional or specific interiors, like provincial or deco quite easily. Have you read pantones colour of 2015 is Marsala. Is a crimson shade, so you can be right on trend too. I suggest keeping your trims white to really crisp up the architectural details, ensure your ceiling are Matt white to absorb light and introduce texture to soften the look. Jarrah an look very formal, so if you have a glossy finish, bring in elements that counteract or contribute that same shine, as in metaliics or mirrors etc. Textiles in plush textures like tactile fibres layering pillows featuring cashmeres or velvets will add to the luxe and keep it comfortable too.

Matthew, I think you have got things the wrong way around. A triple-fronted 1960's house with its distinctive stepped shape and hipped roof-line is always going to look like a 1960's triple-fronted house, no matter how much you try to disguise it with render. The character of a home is defined by its form, not so much by its exterior finish. I would be saving my money on the render, tidying up the front of the house, celebrating its existing style, and putting your render money towards landscaping, or improvements in the home, such as a new kitchen or bathroom. I would be removing the daggy old roller shutters, consider replacing the windows if they are in bad condition with something appropriate to the style of the home, cleaning the brickwork, repainting the gutters, eaves and wrought iron in a fresher colour. Reinstate and celebrate the style that you already have, rather than trying to make it look like all of the other 1960's houses that have had their character and appearences compromised in the name of "modernisation". If the new unit in the rear will be built in face brick, why would you change the existing face brick house to a rendered home which will look at odds with the new brickwork? If you do decide to render then you should render the whole exterior as the side facing the long driveway is very exposed.

Hi Mon, have you seen the Dulux Paint App? You can download it to your phone for free. The idea is that you can take a photo of of the space you want to paint and the App allows you to change the wall colour by selecting from their colour range; Dulux says this enables you to actually see what the new colour looks like next to your floor and other furnishings without the need of trying out several paint pot samples. I have not personally used it but the concept is pretty cool. Hope this is of help. Malcolm

would also love to know the best method but best food safe products would be olive or other cooking oil and let the everyday knocks and bumps add to the patina over time