Thank you everyone for your ideas. We are about to paint the walls an off white - double merino, and thought we might paint the doors and pelmets the same and now after reading your comments I think we will leave the timber beams and paint the ceiling between them the same as the walls, and will consider the bar supports too. What do people think about painting ceilings, doors and walls the same colour?

My vote is for the wash but not in bright white and after some selective knot primer in the same tone. You are going to want to selectively primer down about 2/3 of the knots (use a dark white tinted primer), and use a dark white / brown toned off white instead of bright white so the beams still give you dark white on bright - that would be my vote. Consider something like bm stingray tinted primer and wash on the beams. You can add glaze for more working time or put down dropcloths and use water to cut it into a wash. Test it on some other raw wood that has had tannins develop for a few years. Then put it against your white wall - your husband will get the contrast and wood grain but you'll get the quiet palette you were hoping for. They both will have architectural depth and interest.

It is a peaked roof with Macracarpa beams that look out of date now. Dark deep wine coloured carpet with similar shades in the curtains. what would u suggest to paint the beams? alabaster like the ceiling, or quarter linen like the walls.

A professional couple in beachside St. Heliers wanted to breathe some new life into a kitchen that was not just dated; its tired layout was preventing the leveraging of their gasp-worthy stunning views. They love entertaining so one of the cornerstones of the project was carving out an area around the island that would beckon people to linger, chat and nibble while looking out over Rangitoto. Before: After: The first step in this full redesign required the removal of walls to open up the space which meant the installation of a new support beam that was later skillfully integrated into the subtle white paint in order to not interrupt the clean lines. A palette of oak, greens and gray was selected as a nod to the couple’s personal style that was weaved into other rooms to give a consistency in colour scheme throughout the property. For the kitchen, tiles and carpet were done away with and soft hued timber flooring was laid that will promise durability over time. An island with oak lines to integrate with the flooring and a white stone benchtop was selected to compliment the walls and ceiling for a bright and airy feel. Sliding doors were installed to bring the outside in and invite ocean breezes indoors during warmer months. Olive coloured subway tiles along the backsplash blend beautifully with the pendant lights in the same tone. The wine fridge and a large refrigerator will mean ease of entertaining to hold plenty of goodies for guests. Before: After: In the lounge, existing awkward angles presented a design challenge so it was decided that a reconfiguration was necessary. A custom cupboard answered the need for non-existent storage along with a walk-in wardrobe. A sleek oak bookcase and timber floors connected the room to the kitchen and allowed for elegant storage and display of personal items. The hearth has tiles in soft grey hues of concrete that connect to the kitchen. They are taken up the wall inconsistently to add visual variation. The custom ordered large oak dining room ties the spaces together and seats 8 -10 people making large dinner parties a possibility. The previous peach bathroom was a serious nod to the 1980’s. A single glass paned shower brings convenience without blocking light and the gun metal sink will allow for lots of wear and tear. A large white bath with gun metal fixtures was added and the oak cabinet under the sink completes the look. In the powder room, olive coloured patterned tiles lined the bottom half of the walls and an oak shelf and floors again kept the look and feel cohesive throughout. Before: After: Check out the entire project here!