where to begin

research is never ending. i'm taking inspiration from all areas - the 20s (when the house was built) to french styling to vintage. loving it all. this blog http://bit.ly/90gi6w - showing jeeves & wooster 1920s stylee - is tops.

but the first thing to address - the kitchen: not been changed since ???

so have been reviewing them all - from b&q to fired earth. the first one a no-no on style, the last one a no-no on expense.

its proving tricky. love the french look, as in painted wood cabinets (fired earth do a good range) and have drawn inspiration for this look through the original wall cabinets and larder that remain in our kitchen at the moment. though also liking more modern gloss and the striking dark colours. at the moment i'm thinking it could be amazing to do both.

and what is it about wooden work tops? they look lush but kitchen sales staff we have spoken to have described them as a nightmare, having to oil every week to keep in condition - though on line it says 2/3 months. which is it? hate hate hate laminate (?don't know why?) not keen on granite (having already smashed a plate on the ones in our current rental) but have found a possible alternative which is 'corian' by dupont (can be found almost anywhere). a man made material it can be shaped any way, and i love the way the white one looks like it has been poured across your cupboards and sink...

at least we're settled on tiles. retro metro, fired earth all the way. absolutely gorgeous.