Yes stripes are lovely - but they are still plain! Florals present a more complex, interesting and spirited style! I love the mix of colour, the non-uniformity of design and the fact that they can offer a contained platform for what is often the only pattern in an otherwise non-patterned room! Here's a small pic where you can just see my blinds. The interior designer was insisting on beige and white stripes (similar width to the blue ones above) as she said they would go with whatever decor/colour I used in the room and would still look contemporary in 20 years time. All I could think was that I will hate their boringness for 20 years! I chose a botanical print - as I think it won't date. The duck-egg blue background is calming and the detail has allowed me to pick up on lots of other colours (such as burgundy rug/lounge).

I've voted yes because of the innovation and, speed, ultimately (have also heard a 3-D printed house in China was built in 3 hours). However, I'm aware of the dangers to manufacturing jobs that comes with it, as well as the limitations in materials. Would love to hear your thoughts.

No, I'm sorry, but it doesn't work for me at all. That unrelieved expanse of shiny white is quite disorienting. You don't quite know where the light is coming from. But the colour isn't the main problem here. Although it isn't pretty, the "before" kitchen actually has a lot going for it. The new kitchen has the benches all at the same height, which is a problem because different kitchen tasks are most comfortable at different heights. The surface that houses your sink needs to be relatively high so that when you're using the sink you don't have to bend your back. That's uncomfortable! Conversely, a cutting surface is better if it's relatively low, because that way you can control the knife better. It's a safety thing. The new kitchen has the cooktop and the sink under wall-mounted cupboards. You're absolutely sure the extractor fan whisks all the steam and particulates out of there? Most don't, you know. And with the cupboards at that height, if you're standing close enough to cook or wash up can you see to the back of the bench? No, it's not you, it's the design. Look at the old kitchen. It has surfaces at a variety of heights, and although the sink is under a cupboard you can stir the sauce on the stove without bumping your head, I think. I could be totally wrong about this. The featured kitchen might be a joy to work in. I do think, though, that this does not look like a kitchen designed by a cook.

Hi cher323 I new that once I put it there I think even with the size bench you have would still look small so I'm opting for a console table which is 180cm long and 79 cm high then I will also look at maybe a bigger mirror or artwork to go above console. it was mentioned that as I have a round mirror already in my entrance having another round mirror would be too similar so will just wait until console arrives to decide. If I replace mirror with artwork in entrance, then maybe bigger mirror over console could look good.