Bit late now to comment, I guess, but would like to share that we are contemplating the plans on a government website for a sustainable home. Have actually got to the point of getting prices to build. It is 3 bed and study but we have changed the front bed, making it larger for a separate media room. The study is large enough for a bedroom and we plan to install a wall bed with desk. Have changed the kitchen to incorporate a walk in pantry. Love the master bed suit which has a passage to the en suite which contains the only bath so could be used by anyone. Guests usually only shower and they are provided with a shower and toilet in their area. Works for us! The plan is free and changes are allowed.

couches, angled island, powerpoint on island are good bt having dining table so far away frm kitchen not practical...I can imagine a tiff everytime the table is to be laid...who is going to ferry all the food and cutlery up and down?

My parents sold a almost new kitchen. ( which was in a display home that they purchased ) with the oven. for $1500.00 because they didn't like the colour. There are a lot of people who do things like that. Goto greys online or keep your eyes peeled on gumtree for items like this. If you want something updated but are willing to wait. Sometimes painting products is far less sustainable then using something such as a reconstituted stone or getting it new. Plus a painted bench top? Think about it... It doesn't make sense to paint a kitchen bench top or food prep area.

Besides the fact that it isn't my style (and thus I agree with oklouise to sell on ebay...), the first thing which strikes me, is the crammed working area: stove/ sink/ prep. How can you operate in that space? Other side appears to be too far away to be practical? Then the fridge! If you have an expensive and very ornate kitchen, you can't have a free standing fridge! One way or another your fridge has to be integrated, which brings you back to the style question. Either you like the style and just want to i.e.white wash it (liked that option, if you are into beachy, country), then you need a matching door made up (I'd calculate 2K) and buy an integrated fridge (A$ 2-4K) or you don't like the deco, lay-out, impractical space and want to replace it all, then you can possibly get away with a free-standing fridge in a much less ornate kitchen. If you basically don't mind the kitchen and can work well in the crammed working area, or your budget doesn't stretch to a new one (think about $ 25k+), I agree with the white wash solution and taking off all the excessive ornaments and trims, putting in a flat SS or glass range hood. Also install rails with hooks next to cook top and hang your utensils, you need every square inch on the counter! Microwave to be incorporated perhaps under oven and off benchtop. Maybe spend the money and buy a matching Miele microwave, will look nice with the oven. Look into brightening the gloomy kitchen (on top of white wash) by changing the black bench top and splash backs with light ones. It might save $$ if you just get the ex one covered ( I guess about A$ 6-7k). If it was my kitchen I would definitely sell it, before spending all that money on bench tops, fridge door, integrated fridge, m/w integration, removal of trims, painting, splash back etc. and still end up with a mediocre and impractical kitchen. Would be very interested to see more of your actual style. Can only make out an Ikea shelving unit on one photo... Your decision has a lot to do with the longevity (and cost) of a kitchen, your actual style and the practicability of the ex kitchen! If you can afford it, think long term and maybe save up for THE kitchen you want. If you want some tips on how to keep costs in check and still get a great result for a new kitchen, just contact me. Good luck.