Yes, to cornicing and a picture rail. I've also put up a ceiling rose. I was planning to paint the ceiling, ceiling rose and down to the picture rail white - and do the same in all the bedrooms and public rooms. You've got me thinking now about matching the ceiling colour to the wall colour... ;-)

Most Fired Earth paint colours are available in masonry paint, it's expensive (compared to standard masonry paint) but goes on a dream, with great coverage. Gives you a great choice of colours, we went with Stone Ocre, although on a more modern house, it looks much nicer than white or magnolia (IMHO).

Any colour can go with any colour: It is a question of intensity of hue and temperature and % used as contrast or compliment. If using two colours in a vast expanse, it is better to use two of the same range (for example, blues) of the similar intensity and temperature, eg two dark warm blues. Then add the pop of colour (no more than 10% of your room and you're good to go. Then add the jewellery: chandeliers, door handles etc, as one would adornment on a person. Ex2: A cold 'toilet blue' would not go with the above- The temperatures are different. I hope this helps. Ausbengal, teal would go perfectly, because the colour remains (shades of blue) and temperature and intensity are changed, thus being used as an accent colour, but not in a vast expanse, for example, the entire wall.

Be brave, and go dark! Often people are scared to as they think it makes a room smaller but actually it can have the opposite effect. Blurring the finishing lines of the room can give the illusion of more space, and if the space isn't particularly bright anyway, embrace it! Feature lighting - LED strips under the vanity, or wall lights - can really come into their own in moodier spaces too - don't underestimate the power of lighting :) For the backsplash, bring in a mosaic, or perhaps to continue the natural look, check out a few textured tiles like below - they have less grout to maintain but still offer a nice contrast: If you need a hand or any assistance with supply of products, advice, or design, check us out if you're local to Surrey or South West London :) - Adam