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!!

Is it your house Rebecca , or a photo you found ? If it is your place , but you are wanting to replace the window frames , I'd be inclined to ( whther you do it yourself or get a professional to do it ) strip off the white paint , and then stain it in a mid to dark brown stain -- I suspect you could do it without removing the glass . It would contrast nicely with the stonework ( interestingly , I've always known it as 'crazy paving' ) , take away some of that 70's look , and look more like an upmarket ski lodge !

I'll tell you what -- I love 75% of the bathroom -- that rustic style is different enough , and well enough done , to be different but great ! Then the tiles and cupboard doors let it down -- try and stick to the rustic styles there too would be my thoughts . The kitchen looks to have good bones , obviously the benchtop has to go , and maybe a bit of colour and new flooring , but it seems to flow okay , and looks great . I'd probably keep the stainless sink , but onyx marble benchtops would be classy , add more modern tiles and/or a splashback ( depending on colours , how about just basic white square 150 x 150 tiles , with a horizontal top row of black or red or orange subway tiles on their sides ? The lounge , in comparison , is all over the place . Light wood , purple carpet , and ( shiver ) a faded look on the coffee table . Take it outside and shoot it , burn it , it's just wrong ! The lighter wood panel might work , or maybe stain it dark , paint it white -- it depends on carpet tones . A wheat colour carpet , for example , with mid reddy brown stain wall , the bricks under the fire , it would look a bit rustic but with a tinge of class ! So what about changing the rooms ? Here's a quick idea -- The main 'rustic' bathroom could be turned into an en-suite for the 'upstairs; bedroom ( I assume that is the master ? ) , through a walk-through robe . The downstairs bedroom seems to have a shower and toilet ( almost its own en-suite ) but possibly keep the 'direct' door to the upper bathroom , as well as an entry from the upper bedroom , so the bath can be used by everyone if need be . You also have a seperate toilet there too , and the laundry is okay -- you'll spoend money doing one under the house , but not really gain much space , because of the door into the laundry ( I assume that door is useful , but what it does it makes enlarging the kitchen , or moving the bathroom more difficult ) . In other words , no real gain . It looks and sounds like it works okay -- why spend $$$ that aren't needed to be spent ? Just some minor stuff , maybe some furniture , Spend $30k and it will be getting close to what you are after IMO .

I absolutely love those bricks! I had noticed them on their website but after seeing these images, I’m sold! Thanks for sharing.