@turner3477 YIKES! You already had the "aged look" and a very unique timber cabinet. wherever did you get it? I still think this trend of "paint it black or paint it black and white or paint it white is a psychological dilemma where people don't know how to use colour or are scared of it...or are afraid that they will not be "en trend" and keep up with the "Joneses". Don't mean to insult anyone's sensibilities but its how it looks and feels to me...everything old and genuine and beautiful being veneered to look trendy and plasticky. I'd be delighted to find a timber cabinet like that one as opposed to the the painted white version....and if I was at all tempted to investigate the white one to see what it was made of, my first instinct would be to have a feel and a scratch of that lovely decorative carved frieze above the benchtop....to see if it were made of a plastic mould and just stuck on. Sad to say this but what you have made of this cabinet is "what I call " fashionable fake". One redeeming feature though, whether it has any significance for you at this point in time is that at least under the paint, you know you have a genuine, solid timber cabinet that would have been worth something one day and maybe still will be when somebody, 30 yrs from now, recognises it for what it is and lovingly restores its genuine identity rather than mistaking it for junk and throwing it out to be replaced by the next lot of stage scenery. Wonder what the next "fashionable fake" will be made of when people have forgotten what solid timber and craftsmanship is? Don't know where you live....but would you like to sell me that cabinet at all ? I'd give it the life it deserves and I am sure you could find another one that would look every bit what you want to achieve in your space..(.In fact I could knock up a pretty good imitation replacement myself...not that I'd want it). I like watching` those antique shows in Britian where people bring old wares to be appraised and where antique dealers enter people's homes to buy collectables. It is on these programs that one learns the true value of the timeless pieces...some of which seem like old junk...but what surprises when what looks like junk turns out to be worth investing in! Apart from the above...enjoy your pristine French Provencale dream!

Hi Charlotte Re-painting your walls will make the world of difference to how you feel in your home, as a dark interior can be a bit depressing.. Is your living room facing west? The western sun tends to be more golden, so opting for a yellow based white, can really overload on the yellow hues making the room seem gloomy. The answer is to have a blue based white, which can neutralise the yellow light. Check out the new paint schemes from Bodo Boards, which you can instantly download to receive all of the paint information you need. The board will include main, feature and trim paints, as well as other elements to add to your space to make it come to life. We would recommend this concept for your dilemma :) It will also work with your yellow aluminium joinery, and make this seem less yellow as well. http://bodoboards.com.au/collections/paint-concept/products/the-brentwood-paint-concept Good Luck!

I think you’re suffering halfway-throughitis. Once the skirts and cornices are done, and once the room is painted all one neutral colour and the drapes reinstated you’re attention won’t be as drawn to the slant. Finish it off before worrying. It could be a great place for some art.

Hi Kate, it sounds like you're on the right track already. If you are painting the ceilings Vivid White then paint the cornices the same colour. I personally like Vivid White skirts and door frames especially if the walls are a natural white. To keep it light and bright and a blank canvas with tenants you cant go wrong with Dulux Natural White or Haymes Marble Mist.