Seriously you need to check out the Kerlite cladding. No need to sand, the variety is huge even wood look. All you need to do is put on a thicker screed. As I said you do need a tiler that has laid it before. Once it's down, it will never break. Google it, the range is amazing and really beautiful. I did ask the tiler about using it over slate and he said not a problem. Got mine from tile expo.

How funny. I just renovated (on a budget) my small kitchen and added exactly the slate look in tiles you have, though they are in fact porcelain. And I placed them throughout the house for continuity. The tiler asked if I was after a retro hippy look but it doesn't look like that at all. My cupboards were the same colour as yours and I utilised the bones of the kitchen and had the doors and Benchtops changed only. I also have plenty of light in the kitchen but chose white doors and as I was on a budget I chose granite look Benchtops, they are very serviceable and it looks great. The blue backsplash was the colour lift and here you could choose any colour to your liking. Basically the kitchen ended up with white cupboards and appliances other than cooktop, with the stainless cooktop and coloured splash back being the focal point. The paint colour are: whisper white walls, integra splashback, white ceiling and for increased contrast I used the same white above the splashback on the rear wall. I would consider painting out the brick but leaving the texture.

one problem with laying over the top of an existing floor is that it will create small steps at the doorways and cover up any potential problems that will be even more difficult and expensive to remove after the new floor is installed...i acknowledge that removing the old tile or floating timber floor will be dirty hard work but it shouldn't be too difficult but i suggest that some expert advice will help identify the option that will achieve the best results and removing the skirting boards and replace after the new timber floor is installed for an even better result

I still use the same steam mop that my Mum bought me in 2000. we are now in our third home, and I have 96sqm of living dining kitchen hallway tiles. it still works perfectly. I vacuum area with my Dyson then fill up the steam mop, and off I go. including the bathrooms and laundry, I need to refill twice. It has never let me down. i hover the steam mop over any visible dirt, but generally use it as like a vacuum cleaner, just moving back and forward over area. it is a kenwood steam mop 2000. Until I read this post, I forgot how old it actually is. so maybe look at a kenwood brand, if they still make them