Consider using a hang on the wall basin with a built in towel rail underneath which will mask the pipework and save wall space. I would add a full size mirror on the wall opposite the window and add a cupboard above the toilet for storage. Removing the upper tiles will stop the space feeling so tall and therefore so thin and also less cold and sanitary - I like the bold blue - try it - you can always re-paint if you change your mind....if you can't afford a full wall of mirror consider mirror tiles (Ikea do 30cm ones in packs of 4) and these would adhere directly to the tiles saving that wall being chipped away at..sorry - just seen how old this thread is....wonder what you decided on eventually?

Hello joolstc, I like the tiles! I think they just need a bit of attention perhaps they could be replaced or painted something like brick and tile paint and the colour they should be rather than anything else here. I definitely feel these have an impact on the style and I would not remove them unless you were to replace them as they are. They add texture to the house and are actually rather interesting with the cladding... What is not so attractive is the upvc. If you can't replace this aspect you can paint it! There are companies that supply a range of colours and you can breathe new life into this facade with a darker colour for example.. Add some plants and architectural foliage.. I can see a monkey puzzle or something equally interesting on that piece of grass... Some large pots either side of the front door and possibly something green in the windows either side of the two large opening windows.. Fiddle leaf figs would look wonderful... Consider something quite large for a room setting... Large vertical blinds would be great for the whole house and I'd definitely keep these.. Now I'm moving on to the idea of what's inside the house! : ))

Ettel you wouldn't have to change the off white walls if you went for whitewashed/limed pale wood or used a white oil or wax on it Scandi style. I haven't seen it done but I was thinking of kitchens and floors in this kind of wood that I have noticed on Houzz. I also thought of the slightly rougher wood cladding used externally on buildings that you may be able to get from a wholesaler in a smaller quantity. This could give you a nice kind of rustic effect but then it would be up to you if you wanted to follow that into full country style or go with a more modern rustic aesthetic. I have seen nice things from habitat that would work with that. Just a more minimal look than country. Sorry, I've never attached a photo on houzz.

As you have a 6-year old, a slightly darker colour would work,- say a darker grey, but do the walls etc in Satin so they can be easily wiped down, and light reflects off shiny surfaces. I do like the darker bookcase, and again would go with another dark colour - we all need changes every so often. You have blue in other places, so how about a Midnight Blue for the bookcase? You have lovely floors, and it seems such a shame to cover them with rugs - leaving them natural would expand the space visually. With the handrail, I would leave it with the varnished oak, as this is one place that picks up marks more than anywhere else.