You could remove all the 'chipboard' sections and any other existing timber boards where you want to lay the new boards - and lay the new boards straight on the joists and bearers so they will be at the same height as the dining room. I'd lay the new boards in a shape so you can surround it with an edge in parquet boards (any timber type) or just an edge board in another timber colour. My husband has just removed old cypress boards in our kitchen and replaced with new ones for the same reason as you - marmoleum over the boards stuck with black tar and cork over all that. The job of removing the marmoleum in the family room almost killed us so we weren't doing it again. Plus it gave us the chance to level a joist. Also, a lot of the heavy duty sanding was done before laying. As we had the same timber to insert we integrated the boards into the dining and family - great to have one level and looks great but big issue is matching the floor finish as we did a custom lime-wash 4 years ago (replicable) but it appears the UV in the last four years has darkened the water based polyurethane top coats so the new boards will still look patchy for a while. Now wishing we'd done a parquetry border as this issue wouldn't be a problem!

hi yes batches are different from batch to batch, but the finishers, toner, and self levellers, grout, are all different and have differing impact of the finish. Two of my Grandsons work in the concrete polishing industry (have for years)and come across this problem every other day. They are so very used to fixing up concrete pourers blues. I do know of some extreme difficulties (some over forty years old under carpet that have had the same problem) that have given my boys a hard time. However, at the end of it, using the right gear, you can literally see your face in the reflection plus the reflected image via the window.

Thanks Jen Osborne!! Will have to check out this photo shop thing!! Many thanks for everyones input!! My main dilemma, which I should have explained before, is that this area of the house was actually added on im guessing about 20 years after the main home. So the main home is about 50's style architecture and this bit is retro 70's . The old part of the house has alot of beautiful ceiling roses, cornice, and chandeliers. I want to try and blend the two a little. I am thinking I might change the walls back to white and do the french door black. I am hoping to decorate around the mustard yellow window, by bringing that colour into the room via a rug etc. Please see photos added of other parts of the house to show the style. Im also thinking I will remove the cowhide cushions and see what it looks like.

depending on the size of the existing vanity it should be possible to have a similar new vanity or a custom unit made to replace the original but a chat with a plumber should be arranged to recommend suitable options and plan a schedule to remove the old and install the new, including any necessary waterproofing or tile repairs..btw careful removal could allow the original sink, taps and even the counter to be saved and recycled into a new vanity that matches the bathroom perfectly with the added option of being able to add different doors or drawers to the cabinet