Paint the inside bricks white, defo to disguise the boxes - it will also look wider. Don't go too dark on that lovely wooden door - it is a really nice door so I am wondering if it could be stripped to its natural colour instead (but that might cost more). You could just paint your tiles - maybe a slate colour, but with a very strong floor tile paint... personally, I think you might like your floor tiles once the brickwork has been painted. Re the porch, again it might be worth stripping it back to wood and then just oiling it - or paint it white also, it will look fresh but poss a bit garish in white. Get rid of the moss on the roof of the porch - it keeps it damp and detracts from your lovely porch (which is nice... you should see mine! also on Houzz).

I agree with darker - I think the reason the light door PP posted looks good is the style. A light colour with a modern design wouldn't have the same effect. This a Cromwellian house in Herefordshire fitted with one of our stainless steel Letterplates and the door colour looks great with the black and white. The porch timber is paler than the rest of the house timbers (you can just see the black window frame to the right) and is a modern addition but as it's still a shade of grey it all works well together. Have fun deciding!

Hi Sharon Laughlin, I would usually like to actually see the space and front window to be able to answer 100% ...but I can tell I have proposed this layout on several similar properties layout packages as it is a very good use of space and the times you use the space actually means it isn't too bad with 'on lookers' or lighting to have it this way round. Choosing the right window dressing can help with any concerns but having a great and usable space inside (where you live) is vital. I would be happy to take a quick look and offer an opinion (free of charge) if you wanted to email me your plan and a picture of the room (gina.everett@createperfect.co.uk). I know it seems like a head ache now.. but it will be worth the additional consideration time in the long run rather than just settling for something because it is the 'norm'. All the best, Gina

Solid oak tolerates temperature changes much better and better suits the front door. The front door is always exposed to moisture due to rain, snow, or fog. Also, the front door shouldn't fade over time due to direct sunlight falling on it in hot weather. I think it's much more profitable for you to take a solid oak door because it won't have to be changed after five years of use. We bought an oak door made of solid wood about ten years ago at https://www.ukoakdoors.co.uk/internal-oak-doors/four-panel-doors. I like that I don't see any cracks or wrinkles on this wooden door. My wife jokes that even my face is covered with wrinkles, despite the door has remained smooth and looks like a new one.