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!!

Hi Some floorboards can have a finish applied as they come raw whilst others cannot without work. It depends on the brand and finish. I suggest you speak to the installers and get hold of the manufacturers rep to ask about the finish if it is not readily available at the point of sale. You should be able to just have the floor lightly buffed after it is installed (ie scratch/rough up the existing polish) to create a purchase for the new polish without actually sanding down to the timber. You do need to know what type of finish it is ie oil based or water based on the original boards as they can sometimes react with each other if you change. Then your sander can apply the new finish. Cheers

Hi Melissa, the pic you've shared looks like a photo realistic render (i.e. digital artists impression) rather than a pic of an existing space but maybe that's just because it's screen shot. You could achieve a similar look with concrete stamping or large scale concrete tiles. This website might help... https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete-patio/

Hi Kruti. Those new pieces are lovely. There’s a houzz article in Stories about how to decorate a console table. If you select Stories, then Interior Design, then Decorating, and then type ‘how to decorate a console table,’ in the window, the article should pop up. I think you will find it very helpful.