Hello Fiona, It looks like you have a place which could be nice with a little care. In answer to your questions: As many coats as it takes. Paint a coat, look at it when it's dry, if you can still see the paint underneath it needs another coat. Usually 2-3 coats are needed but more for covering really bright colours like that small patch of purple in the living room. I can't suggest a specific brand for another country. A folding screen / room divider would definitely work without causing problems. They are not difficult to make or you can buy one. You absolutely should not surround it on all sides without checking what it is and how much airflow it needs. Probably treated wood for outside furniture. Plastic is cheaper but doesn't look that good and can risk being blown off the terrace in high winds. Metal is more expensive and more likely to get stolen if there's a chance of that. Maybe look out for second hand stuff? Floor lamps would be the obvious choice for light. You can get cheap ones from somewhere like IKEA or again maybe second hand. This is the biggest problem you've listed. Here in the UK the laws for renting say bathrooms and kitchens need extractor fans. Perhaps check if there's a similar law there? If there isn't, you can ask the landlord if you can fit one and if you're lucky bargain for them to pay part of the cost. They are not that expensive. You probably won't convince them to help you. Those look like the remains of roots from ivy or something similar, and might be hard to get off. You could probably rent a pressure washer and do that wall and the terrace at the same time. A couple of notes on paint: - You don't need washable paint for every wall. The hall will need it, and the kitchen and bathroom (or special kitchen/bathroom paints, definitely try to get that for the bathroom) - Yes white is the cheapest colour to buy though Magnolia (yuck!) is as cheap here. White is also the worst colour to paint with as you get 'snow blind' and can't tell what you've already painted. White can also look quite cold. One thing you can do is have a painting/decorating party with your friends. You supply plenty of food and drink and they spend a few hours painting. You can get a lot done in a short time this way and it's quite fun to do. It's a lot less daunting than trying to do it all yourself.

Hi, Are you looking for a complete re-fit? You don't seem to have a kitchen ideabook set up, so it's difficult to establish what you like? Are you after a more contemporary look with a handleless kitchen or a more classic shaker style? Are there any colours you prefer? What aspect is the room, this may determine whether certain colours are better to use than others? is there anything which needs to stay, for instance flooring, appliances? Finally, is the kitchen are separate room or part of an open plan space and what is the approx size..

A few images from a couple of variants of design for a kitchen a year or two back for a client which picks up a few of the design ideas you refer to, with peninsula/hob, tall "bank" and also link through to their utility with breakfast area. There is insufficient info on your diagram to go much further (more detail on window sizes & heights, direction of door hanging, plumbing constraints etc) but what you are thinking should be broadly workable with some tweaking. A few general points: It looks as though you have retained two doors next to each other into kitchen/dining area. If one can be removed, I probably would. I would probably look to replace the kitchen table with breakfast bar seating My initial gut says an American fridge/freezer would not work in your scheme, and I would go integrated. A few companied do extra tall integrated ones if you are seeking extra space. With the styles you highlight, I would recommend seeking out a provider of German kitchens - they really are the best in the business at sleek handleless and generally have far, far more options on unit sizes, heights, widths & depths to help achieve the look you desire. Our main German brand Hacker would do everything you need, so perhaps seek out their local studio and check references. Excellent quality and keen prices compared to some German brands! I would also highly recommend the "flat rail" handleless kitchens from the English Rose and Mackintosh brands - a very sleek option, great quality doors and one of the best British carcasses on the market. The English Rose units are usually available within 2 weeks and the Mackintosh in 4. While St Albans is too far for us to travel to install, if you were inclined to go "supply only" or wish just to purchase design services, feel free to get in touch.

Option 2 - remove the upstand if using tiles and if you can do it easily. Some do tile above an upstand but I think it looks a bit clunky? I tried to find images and this is the only one I found, so I think that says a lot.