Thanks all - our belongings arrive this week so I will have a go at transforming the space with what we have then search for new things to add. We have quite a bit of art with strong yellow colors and also a Tibetian Chest with yellows and greens. Thanks again!

Your layout for you kitchen looks really good and would fit well with the mixture of black and white cabinetry. With the lament bench top, we would suggest melamine (entry level cabinetry) or acrylic bench top, which can come in high gloss feature or matt. The matt surface would go lovely with your choice of bench top, and acrylic is also a affordable cabinetry material. Below are some examples of how Reno4u has incorporated both black and white cabinetry together, without making it to dominantly dark. We feel as if these examples would be perfect for your layout, and depending on if you want more black cabinetry or white you can go either way. This design above is an example with more black than white, can be made matt or gloss with different handles/splash back and wallpaper. With a u shaped kitchen similar to yours, however from the pictures you provided your style may include different design below the island bench. Another kitchen designed by us which shows more white than black, with a bar built in which may suit your design better. We hope this helps you, please feel free to call us on 03 423 9067 and we can provide a free quote for materials and kitchen design, and help you finalise your design further. :)

Personally I wouldn't hang black curtains with this colour lounge suite. I would also take out everything that you don't need in the room as it is too cluttered. I actually like the wood as it matches like Bernadette said. I see that you are adding pops of red in the room. How about a picture on the wall with that colour in it, as the walls are quite bare. Are you able to remove the computer desk and chair? I love big mirrors in a lounge room too . . . The programs that I have watched in NZ, ask 'what is the hero in the room?' So I think you need to ask yourself this and work with that, going forward. . . . The only comment I can make on the skateboard is I think it is placed too high on the wall.

Hi All We are getting a pool and will be using the boundary fence on one side. The boundary fence is 1.8m in height. The interior fence is 1.2m. The issue is the junction where the two fence meets. The rules is that there must be a 900mm non climable zone vertically from the top of the boundary. Where the two fences meet currently there is only 600mm clearance. Any advice would be great. How do people solve this issue? Please share your ideas and photos Thanks