Hi iggs85 as it is an older kitchen I would not spend a huge amount of money on a revamp. It is definitely possible to paint laminate but good preparation is vital to ensure the paint 'sticks'. However a quality painter is going to charge you about the same as your resurfacing quote. Using either a painter or a resurfacing company does let you choose any colour though. The biggest disadvantage of the current benchtop is the bullnose which is very dated. From your photo, the colour and pattern look OK but you could get a stone 'overlay' put on it. They square off the bullnose so it looks more contemporary. An acrylic feature panel on the return is another alternative to vinyl planks. It looks like glass, comes in a good range of colours and is relatively inexpensive compared to glass. See http://zenolite.com/range as an example. You can buy acrylic sheets from Bunnings. You could also use pressed metal panels as a feature eg. http://www.wunderlite.com.au/catalogue/details/1/79/pressed-metal-crystal?start=25 Add some new handles on doors and drawers too.

Hello Northstar 1 thing to remember when choosing your lights .If you want the light down choose a down facing lampholder, dont drop them to low as the GLARE from the globes in your eyes every time they are on is annoying as, every lit pendant you showed had an incandescent globe so if your going to use Fluro globes they will look worse.LED globes with a cleeear glass would be best. Avoid carbon filament even though they look great its a low light output. Depending on your budget take a look at Mondoluce on line they have some amazing glass pendants from Italy and in multiple sizes.

So many varied comments here! That makes it hard! And I about to add more. lol I love the idea of changing the light fixture to your feathered one and softening the table with a bench seat and adding peacock chairs. All that is that uncluttered boho leaning towards Hamptons look that I too love. I personally would get rid of the other chairs and add some rustic timber ones or even those cream ones that Julie Herbet put up. Don't be frightened to go with your taste. And don't stress too much about what style it is. You have some good ideas, build on those and you will end up with a lovely warm and welcoming area that people love and you enjoy. I believe we need to inject some personality into our designing and decorating. Without that we can end up with show room perfect but souless rooms.

I'm so sorry you are having trouble! I love that you went for colour but the wall colour isn't right, changing this would be a massive improvement in regards to the colour scheme - cheaper than changing the tiles too and I'm assuming you loved these..? A cool neutral would be perfect, it will compliment the turquoise and compliment the warmth of the timber, stark white of the cabinetry and even pull in those (in my opinion) lovely pendants! Here are some suggestions but definitely get test pots! https://www.dulux.com.au/colour/whites-and-neutrals/popular-neutrals#!/colour/dulux_dulux_26174 https://www.dulux.com.au/colour/whites-and-neutrals/popular-neutrals#!/colour/dulux_dulux_26028 https://www.dulux.com.au/colour/whites-and-neutrals/popular-neutrals#!/colour/dulux_dulux_26045 Best of luck!