Thanks Judy. I know oak doors and skirting boards will still have to be cleaned but I think there is a bit of leeway with dusting them - dust doesn't show quite so quickly! My windows havnt been finalised yet at all so I have plenty time, i just don't want to feel like im in a timber showroom with oak window frames, skirting, doors and floors when in my living room plus when standing in the hallway there will be the stairs (paint and oak steps), banisters, handrails, and the skirting and surrounds of four doorways. Any other way of getting around it? Must I have skirting boards??!

Hi .. I am in the middle of a self build and I have a few questions that I am looking for a little advice on ? I am looking at light grey PVC windows (on outside) ..Is there a norm ? for what goes on the inside of the window teaming it with Off white Interior doors and similar painted skirting boards ? I am having trouble with the over all colour scheme of the inside of the windows, woodwork and internal doors ? Are there any rules here?

Just a friendly bump, thanks

Hi, what a lovely "canvas" to begin! My late husband loved wood. I think it is too drab and have changed mine for glass and various off whites as the rooms are non-square here and the house is old but takes modern too. My gut feeling is that the way forward is to choose an exciting "theme" for downstairs first. Would you consider bright and airy sky, or tropical, or geometric, or bookish, or carnival, or countryside, what about a space rocket on the wall for the kids - it can be covered when they grow tired of it? And as it is it has my pet hate - a good window - wasted - with a grim reminder of housework - a sink in front of it instead of one out of sight with a strip light over it!!!!