Daniel Lindahl - I didn't say to get rid of it - I just said to change it for something else - I have a 70's home owner built - cavity brick - Daniel sometimes it is working with what you have in order to keep costs down - paintings - if you have several - can be changed around your home for a interesting look - as our homes are our homes - the paintings - can always be shared in various rooms/walls to suit ones mood.

Yes anything can be painted. It is the preparation that is most important. This is a I informative article, that may help. Dr Dulux: How to Paint Kitchen Cupboards The easiest way to update your kitchen? By giving your cupboards a lick of paint, of course. Q: My kitchen is looking a bit dated. How can I give it an update without starting from scratch? A: Your kitchen is the heart of your home, so it deserves a little attention now and again. Whether you’re saving up for your dream kitchen, or just fancy a refresh, painting your cupboards can give your space a completely different look and feel depending on your colour scheme – and it’s pocket-friendly to boot. Consider too painting the insides of your cabinets – especially if you have glass-fronted units – for an extra pop of colour. So what are you waiting for? Whip up a storm in the kitchen and give you your cupboards a new look: how to paint kitchen cupboards 2 Step one First, remove all knobs and handles (as well as the contents of your cupboards and drawers!) Use masking tape to protect hinges and glass and put down dust sheets to protect other parts of the room as necessary. Step two Wash your cabinets down with sugar soap or a strong detergent solution. This will remove grease and create a smooth canvas. Wipe off any soap residue with a damp cloth. How to paint kitchen cupboards 3 Step three When the cabinets are dry, sand with fine paper (you can skip this step if you have melamine or high gloss surfaces). Fill imperfections with a good quality ready mixed filler and sand again. Polycell Multi Purpose Pollyfilla is great for filling in gaps on kitchen cabinets and cupboards as it's easy to sand, dries white and won't shrink or crack. Step four Apply a wood or melamine primer depending on the surface. You might want to use a small roller on doors for a smooth finish. Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood is a water-based paint, which means it’s quick drying and won’t smell during the painting process (the only smell coming out of your kitchen should be that of your culinary creations, after all). The finish will be a subtle sheen that’s easy to clean and touch-up – just what you'll need if you have one or two enthusiastic little cooks at home. If using a brush make sure it has synthetic bristles to avoid those brush marks! how to paint kitchen cupboards Step five Apply two coats of your chosen colour. After the first coat is completely dry, sand with a fine paper to ensure a smooth, professional finish. Remember to wipe off any dust with a damp cloth. Step six When the second coat is completely dry, carefully remove the masking tape, put the knobs and handles back on, and admire your sparkling new cabinets. If you want even more of a change, mix up your hardware and replace your old handles and knobs with new ones. Anthropologie, Zara Home and Graham & Green all have cheerful and quirky designs to pep up your cupboards and drawers.

Hi Claire, Two Pack polyurethane has many advantages over other finishes; it is a tough hard wearing finish for Kitchens which like all kitchen finishes can be scratched, especially with something like stone samples with rough edges. I would not say though that it scratches "easily". Satin can also develope shiny marks if it is rubbed too had when washing stubborn dirt or food spills off. There are a few advantages to the Gloss Two Pack over the satin, which are that if you do scratch Gloss then it may be possible to buff it out without having to re-paint (unlike Satin which just has to be repainted). Likewise if you chip it then it is possible to repair the Gloss without having to re-paint it where again Satin can only be repaired by repainting. Usually the Kitchen style also determines whether gloss or satin should be used; example a Shaker style door in traditional or transitional style kitchens looks best in a Satin whereas a Flat panel modernist style kitchen can look good in a gloss or a satin. At the end of the day it comes down your personal choice and how you think you are likely to treat your kitchen surfaces. Hope this has been of help, Malcolm White Gloss Two-Pack. White Satin Two Pack Shaker Off-White Satin Two Pack. Satin Two Pack Shaker Federation.

You could consider custom joinery that actually looks freestanding - purposefully creating a gap from the edge of the fireplace surround to the wardrobe & on the wall side also. This would also mean that it really does not matter if the front of the cupboards do not align with the front of the fireplace. Adding a nicely detailed leg, and a feature handle (you can get some really unique Australian made ones these days) to give some visual interest to the otherwise minimal finishes. Keep it simple & classic so it ages with your child's taste and preferences. As an example, The Design Files recent article has an image of a cupboard in a lounge area, that could be adapted to two double door units on either side of the fireplace https://thedesignfiles.net/2019/10/interiors-house-p-cjh-studio/. Seems perfect for a child of any age, or even if you want to convert the room to a more 'grown up purpose' once they leave home ;-)