Here’s an example of how to use the method above. All measurements taken are using the device’s own internal light source which is called D65. So straight away you are comparing colours from the same starting point. Using the device, I took measurements of Maggie’s stunning marble work surface. To the naked eye, it appeared a white slab with light grey & dark grey veining. However when measured, the white majority of the slab belonged to the yellow Hue Family & the darkest veins sat in the Yellow-Red Hue Family. Taking further sample measurements of the stone slab flooring, confirmed they too sat in the Yellow Hue Family. So to tie both flooring and work surface together with colour for the island & kitchen units, it made sense to begin looking for colours within the same Hue Family. Getting a Hue Angle reading gives a spot to plot it on the Wheel. The info also gives other key attributes for each colour, making comparison much simpler. Maggie knew she wanted a dark colour for the island, a mid tone for the cupboards & something lighter again for the walls. It’s a new mode of working for most of us home owners, but it’s actually just working with the information companies use to make the colours in the first place. And so it’s a much more objective starting point to finding the right colour for the job. I wish you lots of luck on your quest!

Definitely. My original kitchen was developer’s kitchen —ie, it photographed well but did not function. The only place to put a table in the kitchen itself would have been in front of the back door, which is itself a natural thoroughfare from the open plan living room. Now I have a lovely breakfast bar/peninsula facing the brightest part of the kitchen, and I can easily spend hours there over breakfast, brunch or coffee. Dinner I tend to eat in front of the tv, and when I’ve visitors the main table in the dining room is used.

Love your kitchen, you’ve done a great job, not only does the kitchen look good, it’s totally practical, drawers are the way forward, even if they are more expensive than cupboards. I’ve just redone a kitchen in a house we rent out, the old one was finally falling apart. I was going to go to Howdens and use the joiner etc we knew, but in the end we used a small local company, which cost us £300 more, but the quality of their interior cabinets and doors was so outstanding, plus they could do everything, including tiling, we went with them. We didn’t change the floor, but did everything necessary, I’m hoping it lasts well and our tenants look after it!

Slide and pivot is a neater version of a bifold. Each pane is independent of the other and when you open the first like a door the others slide up to it and then turn outwards. they have much slimmer mullions than bifolds and give you more glass. I have been put off by the very mixed reviews on after sales service from some brands but they do look fantastic.