Can I suggest looking into having a quantity surveyor assess your property (and you can claim the cost of having this done). They will provide a depreciation schedule for you which will tell you how much each item will depreciate in value over the maximum number of years you can claim. If an item is at the end of its depreciable life, they will tell you what you are able to replace. Even if you only have tenants for a short while, you are able to claim depreciation for a pro-rata period that your asset is income producing. What all this means for you in terms of design - there may be ways to improve the look of your property in line with what you will want it to look like when you eventually move in, which could gain you a tax benefit. Of course, you have to have the $$ to spend on it in the first place. Oh - and in terms of furniture - do you know about Casey Auctions in Hallam? they are close by and you may pick up some really good bargains. I know we did!

The vintage green tiles in the first picture are lovely. The darker ones below with the bevelled edges are just so wrong in the setting shown. I am also a lover of green but you have to get the right tone and keep the shape as smooth and flat as possible. I am a big believer in having just one standout element of design in a tile - either its unusual in shape with a matt finish or a special colour with no fussy edges.

I would paint the wall white, and buy a rug to use under the table - maybe jute - ikea have nice jute rugs that aren't too expensive. Are you thinking of painting the skirtings and doors... big job, but I think you'd be amazed at the difference it makes to your space. Personally, I would paint all the timber white! Also art on the walls - one large artwork on the wall to the right, with just a touch of green - similar to the floor green. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Linda Do you like the idea of mid- blue laminate for the bottom doors with slightly lighter blue for the top run. Then the mid-blue could be used for the front of the island - perhaps with a patterned laminate or glass with a hint of the green in the pattern. Lots of house plants would finish it off well. Let me know what you think.