My kitchen is the last room that needs a total overhaul as it's 30+ years old. Gave it a spruce up by painting the cupboards (with abstract artwork rather than one colour) and changed tiles to make it bearable as I hated the old ones so much and was sick of looking at them. Main thing is finding all the elements that I like while integrating the Edwardian original features (built-in dresser and pantry + open chimney breast. I have some ideas, I want a black mini om extractor and I have the floor plan so just all the details now. I do hate wasting the corner space so have considered lots of options to no avail so may end up just opening it up and putting in a normal corner cupboard with spare crockery, less used items in the far, hard to reach corner.

Depends on the season and my mood. most days it is something like the house wine of the South, sweet iced tea with lemon. I like my wine like my tea-- sweet. I no longer apologize to my wine snob friends for preferring Riesling or Merlot. Summer time it is margarita or mojitos on the patio and in cool weather hot tea with honey or Scotch by the fire.

Hi Louise, this is a really interesting discussion, thank you for sharing and looks like it was a great feature! Me personally, I think the secret of my success is being passionate and loving what I do. Then everything else follows naturally! To achieve a work/life balance I have to be quite strict with myself, and recognise I need time to relax to be at my best. I am currently really inspired by the Scandinavian lifestyle - my boyfriend is Danish and I am trying to learn more about 'Hygge'. It's all about being comfortable, getting cosy and appreciating the little things such as a hot cup of coffee and lighting candles. That being said, with Summer approaching I'm excited to start spending more time outdoors - pretty sunsets always inspire me and make me feel good!

Hi, Exactly what type of JCT contract do you have in place? The "minor works" type does contains several section which would specify the type of interaction with other involved parties (section 3 - "control of the works"), one on termination (section 6, conditions under which either you or the contractor could stop work early), and on dispute resolution (section 7 - mediation/arbitration). The problem is, if the builder just walks away, you have all contractual law on your side but won't get nowhere unless you follow up - first with the arbitration body in the contract but if that goes nowhere, then unfortunately- potentially suing the contractor for breach of contract. It's hard to say "what's right" - I'm not a lawyer. Get some advice, from architect building control the builder's insurance or the specified arbitration body. It's probably easier to "reconnect " with the builder than to bring full force of the law into play while also trying to find another contractor under duress.