I thought I'd update everyone as to what we settled on as most of you won't have seen the finished post. Went went for Little Greene French Pale Grey on the walls and then a Grey Quartz worktop which had worked quite well. To stop it from being clinical, we opted for some textured wallpaper in the dining area which is Bala Storm (I think) from John Lewis. We then added some natural tones using a wooden table, and then Vitra chairs. Along with wooden fruit bowl etc. The main window will have wooden venetian blinds, and the bay windows will probably be done in a darker grey material as the perfect fit style blinds you find in conservatories

Alexa b it's lovely! I am planning to do my entire downstairs in engineered oak and want to avoid a too 'yellow' colour. Could you tell me which one you used please? It's perfect. Thank you

It seems to be sold here but it's a US site https://shopdesigntap.com/product/audrey-tufted-velvet-ottomanstool-gold/ Also apparently available on richard butler studios but I couldn't get the website to work.. barker and stonehouse do a square version in turmeric I'm sure if you go on eBay or any footstool company they can make you one identical. Not sure I've been much help!

Hi Nieko. Ok so I understand that you’re trying eradicate the weeds first. The whole newspaper, lasagne thingy is a process called mulching or the no dig method. It is one way of trying stop weed growth but in my experience it only provides more opportunities for weeds to grow. Putting something thick like a tarp or large sheets of cardboard over an area would work tho, no light and plants can’t grow, however it would take some months for this to work. Ok if you’re leaving it over the winter tho. Mulching is slightly different in that you’re adding things like newspaper, horse or cow poo (manure), coffee grounds are supposed to be good, straw etc. to improve the quality and texture of the soil for good plant growth. For weed killing, I know it’s back breaking but I pull up what I can by hand then use a weed killer with glysophate (I use the sachets and mix with water in a hand pump sprayer) let that get to work then it’s easier to get the rest. I wouldn’t use this method near precious plants you want to keep tho, instead use Roundup gel. Scrape up the top layer of soil and put in a compost bin or heap. After that you should be mostly weed free but put down some thick material to block the light and prevent more weeds from growing before you’re ready to do any landscaping work. Hope this helps.