Hi there. Completely agree with everyone, you should paint the cupboards. I really like the colours in this picture as I think that the slightly 'greyer' off white cupboards would tie in well with your beautiful grey tiles. You wouldn't necessarily have to go so light on your worktop as in this picture. The laminate you showed in your third picture is really nice, where is it from? Currently doing my kitchen and trying to find a laminate that I like!

Hello Jessica, It's a very considered question..Well for a start is your boyfriend happy for you to unleash your creative spirit? He may well be happy for you to create a home for both of you.. If he wants to be part of the process then really it is a question of tastes... Do you both like similar styles? You may already know if you both have similar views or style likes.. Why not start with the furnishings you may have or the pieces you may have both discussed that you are thinking of purchasing.. You can get get an idea of how interested he actually is, when it comes to colours and furniture and also an idea of similar your choices are.. On a practical note.. When it comes to functions of rooms, do you both share similar interests.. This will also be a good way to decide on a look and needs of each room.. Also is the chap in question going to be doing the work or some of the work? So experience is a factor here to consider as well for anything you might want and to do.. Have you been to a few showrooms or discussed appliances, large pieces of furniture which may dictate the choices of the smaller pieces.. I'd tend to think the larger pieces are a good start... Sofa, Bed, Wardrobe, Mirrors...and Function! The other thing is the place in question of course... Will this dictate a particular "look" this might help with the overall aesthetic of the interior. What I would say is choose things that will have lasting appeal.. If you need to think of the house, flat, apartment as an art palette and layer it up as you go along so you get a feel of it, then that is also a good idea.. : ))

I love Brandi's 'rainwashed' paint colour. I'd go against a whole carpet in tartan as although it's still on trend presently, trends don't last forever, and replacing a rug is cheap compared to a whole carpet when you're fed up with it. I found a lovely one in Next that i think compliments the whole scheme. next rug It's a lovely thick wool rug, sumptuous !

Agree with advice above. I’ve done quite a few pieces -would not use chalk paint. I use a small black and decker detail sander (they don’t seem to last too long but are usually not expensive), then a good quality undercoat is vital (I use one made by Mythic which was recommended to me when I had a disaster with some Farrow and Ball paint which refused to dry, but am struggling to find a supplier now, so Zinnser is probably the answer)Then a satinwood - agreed it can get knocked but is a really nice finish and easily touched up. I use a brush but just because I like the finish. I used to use Graham & Green knobs (especially the crystal ones) but recently just purchased some from eBay and they looked great.