Hi Paul, we rent out four properties currently. I wouldn't worry at all about furnishing with small appliances. If you provide them, then you have to keep providing them when they go wrong, not the tenants. However, I would suggest if you are going to leave those items for the tenants then go for something easily replaced like the Morphy Richards Accent range, comes in different colours as i mentioned above. Cream is great as if the tenants want to accessorize they can do that as nothing is going to clash with your cream. Also, by shopping at Argos, you can take advantage of the guaranteeing for 3 years instead of the manufacturers 12 months, so if they break, you can replace them for free. Have a word with the estate agents to see if you're better off with furnished or unfurnished, as depending on areas, unfurnished can often be easier to let as a lot of people already have all their own stuff! Also, as i say, the less you put in there, the less there is to get spoilt!

Hi Carmel. I also agree re the wall units and pelmet above the window. You don't have any ideabooks set up so i don't know what styles you like but you could install wooden shelves to the left of the window and accessorise for interest. If you want to keep things light I'd look at clay, putty type colours rather than cream against the oven. If in budget I might change the floor. Perhaps a wood effect like karndean (will add warmth back into the room once the units are painted) or have a look at some of the cheaper options. I'd also paint the door in the wall colour which I'd just do a warm white. It is quite expensive but little Greenes intelligent eggshell is fantastic for kitchen cupboards and I've found it to be very hardwearing, plus they do great colours. I can't see the whole wall but is there room to add a mirror where the table is?

Dear Adrienne, I hope you are having a good day and thanks for posting your query. You've a wonderful spacious kitchen but it has little personality. Everything has been chosen to be neutral but I don't expect it feels very homely, and it looks boring. There are a number of sensible inexpensive options. I can see that it's tiled up to the wall units, then I think painted above? Are you averse to colour? If not, since you have a lovely wide window and masses of natural light I would suggest a bold colour change - any colour that sings to you and that has some conversation with the rooms that lead from this room (unless they are also being made over). Don't be nervous of deep colours - they work exceptionally well in a kitchen and I've used Farrow & Ball's Off Black throughout a kitchen recently that will be in a national magazine shortly. Or try a dark navy blue, a deep green but - go bold! And don't be afraid to include the ceiling in the redec - no white lids.. Alternatives: paint the units paint the tiles (use Blackfriars problem-solving primer first) use a long rug under the table to add some texture (but if you have tiny children use one from Dash & Albert that you can hose down!) repaint the tabletop and legs (I would go black to reference the worksurfaces and handles on the fridge) add sheepskins to the chairs (not if you have small people!) If you are in the south or east of England I offer home consultations and full reports so that you can run ideas past a pro and get some inspiration you might not have considered. Best of luck! Sarah

It's tricky to say without a plan, but some things to consider: - An eat in kitchen makes a great family space and will increase the resale appeal of the property - A clever kitchen designer will be able to work in a solution for boot and coat storage (again this is tricky without a plan). Perhaps a small boot cupboard/shelf just outside so you take your boots off before coming into the house. - A long narrow room can feel cramped but having a run of kitchen units on one side only will help open up the space. - Consider open shelving instead of top wall units - Clearly defined spaces can also break up a longer area, for instance using different flooring. - Think about the wall colour and keep it light and airy to maximise visual space. Hope that gives you some food for thought!