Amazing Kitchen Unit - Starts at only £60

Confession time. I have been keeping secrets.
I have found the most amazing unit for my kitchen and spent days agonizing over whether it's worth extending my kitchen a little bit or if we could possibly live without a cooker, just so I could fit this diamond of kitchen furniture in. Sadly, common sense has prevailed and I have decided to share this find with you. It's simply listed as a large retro/vintage kitchen unit but is actually a 1950's bespoke piece.

It measures an impressive 244 cm long, is 92 cm high and has a depth of 46 cm. The unit is painted in a cream colour and is covered by a red Formica top which does have a small chip at one end. As the unit is made from solid wood and is in one piece it is very heavy, but on the plus side it doesn't require any assembly as doors, drawers and handles are all included and attached. I personally love this piece because of the simple clean-lined design and  the chrome handles and sliding doors just add to its charm.

Despite being of some age, it looks fresh and clean and I think it would appeal to both minimalists and vintage lovers. The only thing is, that because I have been unwilling to share this until I was absolutely sure I couldn't buy it myself, there is only a couple of days left of the auction. However,  at the time of writing there have been no bids placed despite the tempting starting price of a mere £60.00. I can imagine the reason for this is that people have trouble picturing driving all the way from Cornwall with this attractive piece of kitchen furniture sticking out of the boot of the hatchback.

This is definitely a man-with-a-van job if I ever saw one. Don't let that put you off though because I would challenge you to try to find something similar from one of the major furniture retailers for less.. 

36 AUTHENTIC MEXICAN TILES - starting at £29

How do you liven up a kitchen where white, black and brown set the tone and it feels more like a lab than the heart of the home? I suppose a Smeg or Aga would add a bit of personality but would also stretch the finances to the limit.
As always I'm on a budget and was thinking of placing some retro pieces of kitchenalia in strategic places in my kitchen or perhaps a funky blind in the window.  As I was trawling the internet for inspiration, I stumbled across something even better and fell instantly in love with these amazing Mexicanwall tiles.

They are not retro, vintage or period, instead they are contemporary, practical and functional. They are also colourful and unique and give a distinctive and lively finish to the walls. 

These particular tiles are Azucena authentic tiles that have been handmade in Mexico. Fortunately no overseas travel is required to get your hands of these fantastic little pieces of art as they are available on line. They are sold in batches of 36 and are competitively priced at £29.00 plus £6.00 P&P.

They measure 10.5x10.5cm though as they are hand made no two tiles are identical. This is something worth bearing in mind before fixing them onto the wall, preparation and planning will save time and lessen the frustration on this occasion.  The tiles are also waterproof and could be used in the bathroom or even outside, but personally I think they would make any kitchen feel warm and welcoming and as soon as I can decide on my colourscheme I'll be placing my order.