Hi, I have just finished repainting my kitchen myself. Overall I am happy with the new look, but I think the final verdict is only possible after some time (to see if the paint hardens enough). I have used Ammonite Farrow and Ball which is very warm grey colour. It looks nice in dark corners as well. Had to apply 4 coats of paint after 3 coats of FB primer. So be aware of the quantities. I must say that the process of repainting was not an easy ride. I spent overall three weeks (full time weekends and doing some smaller works in the evenings). Preparation is the hardest part (sanding, sanding and sanding), while painting is also a vey delicate process). If you are not afraid of hard work do it yourself! Otherwise, a professional is always a good option. Check traditionalpainter.com website they have a number of good instructions on repainting the cabinets.

Thanks Tom!! We are so excited. The link was very helpful as I am a visual person. I am actually thinking about going forward and doing silver leaf on one of the patterned ceilings! Haven't convinced my husband yet but I think with a light romantic colour for the walls, it could be quite nice. The jousts in the corners of the rooms, would you sand those down to the wood or leave white or paint the same colour as wall or ceiling? I will post pictures with the finish products! Might try a different tactic in each room and get a vote on which you like the most. Thanks again to all the help, Hannah

Well done on all the work done so far. It’s looking great. However, in my opinion, the bed along the left hand fence is too narrow, especially for the kind of plants you’re after which are often on the larger side. I like the triangular shape as it gives a modern feel but also think a curve in that corner point would work well, losing some of the lawn and making the bed bigger. That would give you room to plant your tree fern in the ground in the corner there rather than in the pot. Tree ferns have shallow roots that spread outwards & in time, that pot wouldn’t be big enough. We have 2 that I bought as 6 inch high ferns & now (17years later) the trunks alone would fill that pot. Other suggestions for tropical type plants are fatsia japonica & canna lilies though you’d need to check whether they would suit your north west position. Agapanthus would look good but also like the sun. Clematis to climb up your fence come in lots lots of colour options. Star jasmine which is evergreen would also be good fence cover. However both would need support - trellis or wires to climb up. Hydrangea Annabelle, although not quite the look you’re after are lovely & would suit a more shaded garden. However, most of these would need bigger beds to grow in. In smaller beds, lavender, euonymous, box & hebes would fit & suit your garden but perhaps wouldn’t create the look you’re after. However, they would look good & are easy to look after. Have fun finishing your garden & post some more photos when it’s done.

What a lovely room. However that picture rail is really low. I have a similar room in my 1930s house and the picture rail is higher but then mine doesn’t have the big ceiling. I’m thinking if you want to paint the walls then paint it all, up to the ceiling coving and leave the ceiling white (I love a white ceiling). Do you have favourite colours? I love blues and greens but you may not. How do you feel about a deeper colour like F&B Oval Room Blue, or a green like Pigeon or Green Smoke? Or a lovely pale yellow like Hay. So many choices! Below is my sitting room (pale green) and the next picture shows where someone has painted one colour right up to the ceiling.