I love wood counter top's even though they are more work than laminate. There are a number of things you can do to help make life easier in the long run though: The blackening around the sink is a common issue but can be resolved by getting a deep under-mounted sink which means water won't sit and pool for long periods of time. http://homefixated.flashpointstudio.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/3043998820-L.jpg http://www.iichekanpur.org/charming-butcher-block-countertops-for-kitchen-furniture-inspiration/wood-butcher-block-countertops-with-white-sink-and-cabinet-for-kitchen-decor-ideas-2/ Use mineral oil every day for 2-3 days when the worktops are new until the wood stops absorbing it. The use a natural mix of organic beeswax and mineral oil - reapplying every couple of months. This will form a food save protective layer that will keep them looking good. You'll see if you put a drop of water on the top it'll simply bead rather than soaking in. If its starts soaking in you'll know its time to reapply the wax (this also gives it a lovely soft sheen and honey smell). http://www.woodworkersguide.com/2010/01/30/a-beautiful-beeswax-finish-for-cheap/ Also keeping a couple of glass or marble surface savers out (mine are either side of the stove) so you have a natural landing pad for hot pans etc all help to keep the surface looking great. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Completely-Clear-Float-Glass-Worktop/dp/B007UI3110/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1445726256&sr=8-3&keywords=glass+surface+saver http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-Large-Heavy-White-Kitchen-Marble-Worktop-Saver-Dicing-Cutting-Chopping-Board-/261839901221

I disagree with the above comment. A competent carpet fitter can match a small pattern or stripe on the stairs with minimal waste. In a windowless area you can’t introduce pattern or interest with curtains but of course you can with carpet. Lastly a patterned carpet is very practical for a heavy use area showing up discolouration much less than a plain carpet. Personally I think that you choose the pale carpet you like for the principal rooms and then find a pattern that includes this colour for a cohesive look in the hallway.

Have you got an image of the basin and unit?

Hello Colour Happy, Thank you so very much for commenting on my post. We are leaving the woodwork skimming stone as we have it throughout the house and all internal doors are skimming stone too, it actually looks less cold in the nursery for some reason, I’m not sure why? I would love to go for a very light taupe, as that’s what the skimming stone looks like in the natural light. I’ve taken some more pictures. We only have a local paint shop open so are fairly limited to what we can get at the minute due to the lock down as we’d rather sample it first. I’m thinking we may just choose a Dulux colour incase we hate it and then we’ve not wasted a fortune on farrow and ball. We will only be painting the two plastered walls. I love the idea of a striped carpet, I may look at cancelling our order and have a look into this. I have to avoid loops due to a naughty Persian cat! I love buff wicker and we are planning on ordering a huge wicker toy box, I think this will add texture and a bit of warmth too and match his Moses basket. Although I am sat in here now, the room doesn’t feel too bad although it’s very white his taupe furniture warms it up. The cot matches the linen and the colour on the chair too. I’m still so confused! Love the idea of a painted ceiling but we don’t fancy going up there at the min! I’d love to paper one wall and I’d picked the b and q watering hole paper in the cream but it’s out of stock now. Thanks so much for all your advice. Xx