Can't Afford to Do it Twice?

by Isabelle
(Qld Australia)

I have a small 3 bed unit and added a 30'x12' sunroom out the back leading to a large split level wooden deck. I want to tile the kitchen/sitting room hallway bathrooms and new room in a charcoal porcelain slate look, but can only get it in 300x600 (not sure what style to lay it - brick or side by side? I am also thinking of painting everything white as I have two cream/ivory leather box type couches, black/glass/chrome and leather dining suite with matching Long low TV cabinet. One tiler suggested it would be too dark..the second quote said go for it. I just think the dark floor might look classy and not date so quick by using rugs to ground the furniture…keeping up with the trends with accessories as the years move...I'm thinking cream carpet in the bedrooms...do white and cream go well? Bed linen all white to keep it light? My kitchen is grey, white, and black and I want to keep that scheme. I would really appreciate help as I'm a bit lost. I'm 68 next year and I think the texture on the slate look tiles wouldn't be so slippery as I age. One tiler sent a lady with porcelain travertine tiles, but I don't think they look as authentic as the slate and would show any chips unlike the grey vitrified ones. I have been spending a lot of time in hospital and don't want white. Thank you in advance. Any ideas or confirmation would be great. I live in Australia and the kitchen is the only dark room having only a door and skylight being in the centre of the house.

Giorgina's Answer: The pattern for laying down your new flooring depends on personal preference. The brick pattern adds interest to the floor while the side by side gives consistency in size. It all depends on which you prefer. I prefer the brick pattern. For the tile color, again, it depends on your preference. A darker color will give the impression that the space is smaller while a lighter color will open up the space.

Cream and white can be combined. Try to incorporate pillows and fabric for the window treatments that features these colors to help give it a unified look, along with accessories.

I understand that you would like to paint the walls white, but adding color will make the space appear warmer and adds vibrance. Perhaps consider painting the room that has the leather couches a beige color to add warmth. You may pick up samples at your local paint store to see which you like best. I realize that color is not something that is of consideration, but you would be amazed at how much color can instantly transform a room.