Hello, please can you settle an argument I am having with my friend. I have a very small, French holiday chalet, that we use for holidays and to get away from London life. And I am not an interior designer but I like having fun decorating it and trying to make things look nice.

The look I am really going for is more "interesting" than "designer" if you know what I mean. Our London home is a bit conventional and it's hard to keep anything nice with three kids. But I am having loads of fun in France, shopping at old markets and finding absolutely amazing treasures.

Well they are treasures to me. Such amazing, interesting old kitchen gadgets and pans and light fittings and really interesting vintage furniture. And it's all at such amazing prices compared to basically anything in London.

So I found this fantastically interesting display cabinet I think. Actually I think it is a dresser. It wasn't even that expensive, when you consider how much work has gone into it. I do think it does actually have some age to it. It looks a bit old close up, but I don't know, it could be a reproduction or something.

Anyway, should I paint it?

I really want to paint it and make it look all modern and interesting. And my friend who visits, says to keep it as is, and just clean it. I didn't really buy it as an antique, so I don't mind doing anything to it. I do think maybe leaving some of the wood, the flat surface piece, and then paint the rest.

I was thinking one of the beautiful colours, like olive green or a shade of subtle grey. And with just the smallest accent of wood colour still showing, I think I can make it look really nice. I think the mix of modern colours and style with all the carving will make something look really interesting.

So what do you think?
Are you a painted furniture person or a unpainted wood person? And what do you think about my dresser? I know it's a bit over the top, but I think it is really something special.