I was struck when I saw the photo that Cristina posted as a 'Test Photo' (which has nothing to do with me) under this entry. Surprised at how clearly this demonstrated the difference in the use and type of building materials used in times past in different areas....

Her picture was, I would imagine, taken in 'central' Italy. Tocana, Umbria? That way anyway.... With all those warm colours, the brick reds and beige all reflecting a warm atmosphere. Colours which I love!

So much so, that in my kitchen I based the tiles, cabinets and worktops around a similar colour scheme. I did however want to retain a 'view of the original 'stonework' on which the house rests, and to that end I got the builders to leave this panel that you can see above, and which they put a border round before tiling. As you can see this is formed from the local granite - so abundant here, and this wall we 'think' is part of the 500 year old barn foundation on which the older part of the house was built. This grey and often 'shiny' granite seems unable to reflect the warmth of the other photo, but it does reflect the 'icy cold' of an alpine region I think.

But that difference in colours is striking don't you think? Both very beautiful, but so very different!