Hi, thanks all and apologies, all my mail went into the junk folder so I didn't see the comments. Yes I used the Annie Sloan chalk paint in graphite with black wax. As it was my first attempt I was very nervous. First I'd tried staining it with minwax polyshades - epic disaster! So I had to sand that down a bit as it was quite glossy and the Annie Sloan didn't stick. Anyway the lady in the shop Said to put clear wax on before the black wax which I did on the top but later I forgot and did black first by mistake and actually preferred that - so you can really muck around with it. I'm so pleased you all like it, my mother was very unimpressed and said she preferred it as it was but oh well, we like it. The paint is a cinch but the waxing takes quite a bit of elbow grease and not a small amount of lint-free rags (especially with black wax) and is quite expensive. Bill attached. Brush I will use again but used all the paint and almost all the wax. Still - Much cheaper than something new. I'm a bit nervous about tackling the large coffee table but I figure I can always sand it down again. The other option is a dark brown/black rub on stain called Java by General Finishes which I can get from the US by Amazon. It says it's the closest to the ikea brown/black Colour what ch could be good. I have another side table so I might try it on that one for a different room and then decide which looks best... Decisions decisions! May end up doing my awful but comfy walnut bed suite in the French Linen chalk pain half strength. I just hate it so much - it's so heavy and dated. Then I can add some nice pictures and make the room 'something'. Thanks for all the compliments - made my day!!

I bought a 3 variable size drawer table with the EXTRA pull out shelf to put my cuppa on. Couldn't do without this now. Purchased from Amart. I like everything in the drawers. books and mags in the bottom drawer

Thank you! I can't imagine I can use chairs featuring wood as there will be a lot of colours? Perhaps black is safe.

without the plan of upstairs i'm not sure that my suggested changes to front wall will be suitable but instead of reducing the rear deck, taking space off the front porch would allow extra space for the kitchen without changing the front set back and, unless there's some special reason for the extra toilet could you consider different access to the downstairs bathroom to have a more private toilet with included handbasin with or without the extra sink in the dining area?.. there's enough space for extra storage for utility and dining area with a table for two in the kitchen and extending the floor of the deck to the rear and side fences would allow more outside sitting area