@fianou, Thank you for your kind words, I agree it's coming along, although not everyone knows that we've been building this home for 8 years now, using only our own money as humble farmers!!! We live in a tiny but comfortable7 square, (roughly) relocatable home and I personally can't wait to get into my new home with all the room and room to put everything in it's place!!! Right now all my posessions are boxed or wraped and in storage in various locations here on the property like our woolshed and an old caravan, as well as things stored in my mother's home a few kms away and with the home having just been sold, means I will have to move this furniture here and add to the mountain of things already in storage!! I'm sorry to say and hope I don't offend, that I don't have an affinity with hanging pots and plants and hubby would literally "cringe" at the thought of growing a vine up our new posts ha-ha I have got a pair of large pots either side of the front door , visible in the photo, housing Wisteria's that I hope to be able to keep tamed and they shoud look lovely when in flower. I originally planned to have about 20 standard roses along the front of the home but they are too much work I've decided and more often than not look quite shabby at certain times, especially when they are dormant, so instead, I have decided to plant several standard grevilleas in a nice stone mulch with a brick border as is the rest of my garden for easy mowing. I actually have quite a large garden but mulch is definitely the way to go and I have used a few different types of stone mulch, as well as tree mulch and woodchips and this reduces my weeding workload, the bain of all gardeners. I'm almost 60 and want to enjoy my home and garden but do not want it to become a burden but should I ever consider a hanging basket, perhaps indoors, I will be reminded of you!!! ha-ha Cheers, Barbara

yes to all, we did have the tiles professionally sealed, but sealing is not a cure all in my experience but I'm sure it helps considerable . my wife does buy those hand made goats milk styles soaps etc and I don't imagine there is anything more testing for stone, and yes it does mark. The Grey ( bane of my existence )granite much more so than the beige travertine ) I must admit though, the kids bathroom was almost non existent as one has sensitive skin and uses pump pack. I would also imagine climate, airing/ sunlight, volume of use and the time you have to manage it would also be contributing factors. We are way short on time and they don't get the attention they deserve, so I would suggest asking around, others may manage it better and it not be an issue. If your only doing your bathroom you may consider the risk factor not worth it for the volume, but for me, the advantage of travertine in the rest of the house far out weighs any marking issue in the showers, and wont stop me from using it again. To be honest when we sold the last house I just took to the shower with one of those paint scrapers with the razor in the end and most of it came off and it didn't detract from the look of the house. Sorry i have probably only muddied the waters even more, good luck with it.

I would keep the paint as it is , at least initially , but like you and Larkspur Lane Design say , concentrate on the accessories and bring in some colour that way . Just one thing -- Linkspur mentioned cushions -- you didn't . I assume the couch is staying , its practical but it needs lifting , so pick your ( or the consensus ) favourite colour , and have fun with cushions -- say 4 or 5 bright yellow ones , and 4 or 5 yellow and white chevron ones ; or purple or green or red or burgundy or . . . . . . . heaps of them , some in solid , some in stripes or 2 tone or polka dot or chevron . The larger wall ( lounge and dining areas ) I'd wallpaper in something in the similar tones as your cushions , toned down a bit ( or contrasting ) . Basically , a feature wall , with a large $200 clock and maybe a couple of small black and white prints . Some art ( I like abstract ) -- a large one on one of the other lounge walls . Maybe a rug too -- subtle or bright , just not clashing . Then you could really double down . 'This end' of the servery I'd do in your chosen yellow or burgundy or whatever , and re-tile the kitchen in similar toned tiles -- the white 'splashback' ones do absolutely nothing style or colourwise IMO . Right now , the plants are the brightest points -- I love plants , but when they are the most noticable thing , that's a worry . Work with the white , beige and grey ( and the plants ) , but use colour to lift everything .

Love your fish painting, and love your colour choices. And because you love it, you should go for it. Being surrounded by things you love makes you happy, and who doesn’t want that!? As mentioned, a little blue / green in your otherwise neutral furniture and furnishings, to tie things in, and some textural elements, both fabric and with accessories, and you’re all good. If your not familiar with it, look up the 70 20 10 (sometimes called the 60 30 10) design rule. I find it often helps with this type of dilemma