Some really great visual leads there ACOF! Thank you kindly. The last three show me just how lovely the alu windows will look in grey from the inside as my living space interior walls shall be on the white spectrum. I need to thank you all already. Why? Because you have helped me realise in just a little over two hours that I don't actually want to paint the outside of my house grey at all! And moreso that I love the dark wood with the brick. I think that the early images I had in my mood-board had me stuck on this grey tip as I saw so many orange doors (which I am getting) paired with grey. What I really want is a very light grey as an **accent** colour for the exterior of the house such as bay window box and door frames. And definitely a dark anthracite grey for my window frames. Does anyone have an idea of how I can achieve something like this lighter tone of wood for my own exterior without recladding? There has to be a way of making the wood at least a shade or two lighter...And also paint suggestions for a very subtle grey for trims (like the floor decking colour in 'A small retreat pic) would be much appreciated.

So funny! I'm planning to paint the bannister at the new house (TNH) black and am veering towards painting the treads and risers black too... I've been searching for images of black staircases on Houzz and putting them in my entrance hall ideabook. They are few and far between. In your case, I think, with your white walls, maybe the stairs white and the bannister black? (Assuming the white walls continue up the stair walls enabling the b/w contrast.) You've already put black firmly into the equation, adding some more may give more reason for the black rad cab. In my case, there is a very off-centre radiator that could so very easily have been directly opposite the front door in TNH which is rather annoying as it stuffs up the focal point. We are leaving here with every radiator covered with a cabinet - and going to TNH that has loads of radiators ...but no cabinets! Yes, the work ahead is daunting - especially since the area of Ireland we're going to is very basic and not full of DIY resources, etc. I keep thinking I'll paint TNH white - to make things simpler(!) But try as I may colour keeps wandering through my mind! Lovely to be in touch again!

I think that the fire place is beautiful as it is and does not need any make up!! The sideboard on the right is no so big at all and if painted with different colour than grey and distressed could become a much lighter piece with its own character. I would take the top off the left one and again shabby chick it, filling the doors with ornaments to make it more interesting. It is amazing what a transformation you can achieve with a bit of chalk paint! I am using chalk paint for my oversized wooden clocks and it can give an amazing look to a piece for wood: Giant Shabby Chic Wooden Wall Clock Contemporary Large Wooden Wall Clock Rustic Oversized Handmade Wall Clock Give it try before you get rid of them:) Anna

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