Thanks brandi what type of floor do you recommend? I was thinking a glass splash back.

Properly done, no reason not to paint the cabinets white - do a search on the discussion/advice topics on houzz for great advice on how to prime and paint wooden kitchen cabinets.

Why change your white tile backsplash? Won't it work with the white. Whatever you do, you have to bear in mind you have a gas hob which needs something that won't suffer under the heat of boiling water or frying food etc

If you are looking for contemporary update ,I think the easiest way would be to update the backsplash to something more contemporary ...I say cork for the floor ,great in kitchens and easy to walk on,I think painting the cabinets is not needed for a contemporary update ,they are nice and contemporary as is ,like I said it is the backsplash and the floor that needs the update.

Agree with Brandi & perhaps you might also like to consider updating the cupboard handles & adding new tapware to give you an overall new look without it costing a packet. Would love to see your after pic's on whatever you do decide. Goodluck.

I agree the cupboards are quite ok. Just pop new handles on & then focus on a new splash back & flooring instead. Although maybe the kickboards as well depending on the flooring.

Thanks everyone we will definitely change the handles and the tapware.

We are now considering not changing/painting the cupboards. But what color splash back would you put? The kitchen is small and a little dark.

A soft warm grey or soft sage green could look very sophisticated- are your bench tops black? Hard to tell from photo?

Thank you. Yes it is black. We are still deciding if we want to leave the cabinets as they are or change them to white.

Don't change them to white, they will look more conteporary left as is but with new hardwear.

I noticed you do not have any idea books saved. You must look at the many kitchens here on house- search for modern or contemporary timber kitchens and save them to a kitchen idea book.

cabinets are fine. things to change include: benchtop colour (by applying rust oleum), floor and backsplash tiles. do a washing for the cabinet surface will also do a great work.

I'm new in Houzz I'm still earning that's why I don't have any ideas but will definitely take a look. Thank you very much! I will soon post after pics ;)

New handles and tap will make a big difference. Have you seen a splash back product available in Sydney by Laminex called Metaline? Definitely worth a look, can go behind the gas cooktop as is fire retardant, just need to have professionally installed. There are lots of colours in Metaline that would suit, including some soft greys and metal looks such as the colour Reflections. Here is the link - http://www.laminex.com.au/products.php#!/specialty/metaline-splashbacks-and-panels/reflections
Keep us updated! All the best, Liz

If it was my kitchen I paint the wall colour tiles where the stove is black or whatever the bench top colour is

Glass splashbacks are fine but the cheaper ones available at Bunnings cannot be used above the hob and you would need a stainless steel or tiled section there. (This was the case a couple of years ago - they may have updated their range since to a thicker product). If you haven't priced splashbacks you are in for a shock as glass is expensive in the thicker grade needed for a seamless look. If this is your forever home, go glass. Otherwise the white tiles are inoffensive although the floor tiles won't be easy to keep clean. I think I'd choose to spend my money on something else there. Being a slave to floor tiles is no fun in my experience.