Thank you all for your comments. kl55hp your project sounds equally exciting. One thing that I learned so far is the need for light, big windows, big doors!! We have exactly the same dilemma regarding living in the house during the building work; it will save a lot of money as well. You have definitely thought this further than us. Sounds like there is a consensus regarding using a professional to help us make some decisions! OnePlan, thank you for the pictures the colours are spot on. Were thinking of a slightly more modern look by incorporating some gloss cabinets to reflect light etc. Thank you all once more!

As promised, here is the response received just now from the supplier. I await your comments with interest- Hi, Good day to you. Our suppliers have come back to us with the following comments"Firstly sorry for the delay in replying to your email, we have recently returned from our 2 week Summer Shutdown…. With reference to your email regarding the WN206 Nest of Tables, unfortunately this will happen because the furniture is manufactured from Oak wood and when the timber oxidises with the natural light the furniture will mellow and become darker, so if this area has not been exposed it will remain the original colour from purchase. We do not stain our furniture only apply a 5% durable dull laquer sheen. We could offer to sand back the table top and repolish, but you would need to collect the item from the customer and deliver to our factory in Newton le Willows, however this would be chargeable to yourselves. Please advise on how you would like to proceed? Regards,

Wow, thanks for amazing and really helpful suggestions! Hugely appreciate it. i like the idea of concrete effect floor tiles as rightly they are likely to nicely balance the gloss :). Im a fan of clean “clinical” kitchen looks but would like to have a right balance of grey/white/little wood. will warm/orange brick look ok with dominance of grey and white? my fav brick walls are below (only to demonstrate brick style and colour) but I’m actually open to warm orange as I would also use it in the living room (next to dining room as feature wall and consistent living-dining look. i like Scandinavian style tables/chairs as below and hope they will also bring a bit of warmth e.g. Malmo

Depends on your budget. Cheaper end there’s Dunelm, Argos and B&Q. Mid range there’s Laura Ashley and John Lewis. Online I’ve bought from Lighting Direct and Wayfair. Higher end I’ve no idea as out of my price range! 😊