Yes, it does come down to personal taste, but the overall look of your initial kitchen that has the concrete look tiles is beautiful. It would appeal to a wider audience too I think than the navy blue. If you concrete look tiles looked like those in the picture it would look great (as compared to a more matt look concrete tile which may not look as good). I say no to the herringbone look timber in your whole place downstairs. It will probably cost more to lay and I think it adds complexity that you don't need in a home as beautiful as an old queenslander. If you do decide on timber, I would stick with it being just straight planks. (Herringbone is flavour of the month now and I love it for tiles, but it makes a very big statement that not appeal to everyone if you are putting it in a much bigger area like kitchen etc). Good luck.

I'm a big fan of black as both a statement and accents (e.g. high gloss kitchen bench tops and splash backs, matte black main vanity and floor tiles, lounge, Art Deco sideboard etc). It seems to collect and show dust on the floor more than most, and can suck a lot of light depending on its location and application. Why not 'test drive' your black flooring idea (cheaply) with some wide black gardening plastic from a hardware store for a few weeks before committing to an expensive and potentially irreversible step. The plastic can always be used as a drop sheet later! You may find that having your black in furniture (such as Japanned table or sideboard) and accessories, together with the odd touch of jarrah, may be the look and colour balance you seek.

When it comes to kitchen design for a ranch house renovation, you may want to consider the following factors: Space and layout: Ranch houses typically have an open floor plan, so you can create a kitchen that flows seamlessly with the surrounding living areas. Consider the space available and the placement of windows and doors when deciding on the layout of your kitchen. Style: Ranch houses often have a mid-century modern or rustic aesthetic, so incorporate these design elements into your kitchen renovation. For example, you could use warm wood tones, clean lines, and vintage-inspired fixtures to create a timeless and inviting space. Storage: Adequate storage is essential in any kitchen, but it's especially crucial in a ranch house where storage space may be limited. Consider incorporating cabinets, shelves, and other storage solutions that maximize the available space without overwhelming the room. Lighting: Good lighting is essential in any kitchen, but it's particularly important in a ranch house where natural light may be limited. Consider incorporating a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Ultimately, the best kitchen design option for your ranch house renovation will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider working with a professional designer or architect to help create a space that meets your functional and aesthetic goals. You can contact house tiling services Sydney. They are professionals in tiling

Baltic and cyprus pine look nothing alike. That alone would make me choose the recycled baltic. My own home has spotted gum floorboards, some of them 70yrs old and a patch of them less than a decade old, you can tell it's a new section but only if you study the floor closely. It's where the old bathroom used to be that would have had a suspended concrete slab that section is now front and centre in the middle of the hallway. Don;'t be scared off by the insects etc. They have to say that, its recycled wood they want you to not expect a perfect board is all. You'll be amazed how many people will expect a perfect board. It's going to have signs of wear. Any infested wood will have been sprayed well before making it to your home. If the floorboards are going to be exposed then you really need to go to the extra expense of using the same material at least. Cyprus pine won't match your existing boards either. I dare say your builder is keen on the new stuff because old wood is hard wood. It will also take him longer to piece together as recycled timber doesnt always come in nice regular lengths and he might have to do some tricky carpentry to get it to work. Far easier to order regular lengths and just create a massive pile of off cuts.