I like the concrete bloc walls. They are becoming quite fashionable today. I'd keep them in the natural concrete color or if they have been painted, a color paint that resembles concrete. The concrete walls give a hard and cold impression so I'd choose wood flooring for the floors. The combination of a warm wood on the floor and hard, cold concrete on the walls is a nice one. Brighten the space with colorful modern art.

I have just taken a couple more pictures (excuse the untidy house) from the stairs. As you can see it's an open plan area that isn't that big but very high ceilings also in wood (Macrocarpa) with dark wooden beams. The house is surrounded by bush so quite a dark house. I initially considered a darker wood similar to the beams but not sure if that will make the house appear smaller / darker...I'm really not sure what to do!?!?!? Thanks

try going to Hamilton Parker on Lenard ave. off 670 it is in downtown area and will give you great ideas.

I need advice on colours for my entranceway - its 1770m wide and 5900m long. The walls have recently been re-gibbed with T&G panels attached approx a third of the way up the wall from the floor. I want to paint the area. I thought a darker shade on the t&g with a lighter shade above. Something to give it a bit of character. I want a warm neutral shade because its a cold south island nz climate. At this stage I am thinking a smoky grey tile on the floor with heating underneath. What colours do you recommend to go with the tiles? The door into the entrance and the door leading from entrance to kitchen are both cedar. So something to also match with them. Really appreciate some comments!! Also, the tiles would flow through the cedar door into the kitchen area which is an antique white shade. Open to suggestions of tile colour too.....nothing set in concrete as yet.