Hi Jody, to do this return cabinetry you need a minimum of an 1800mm wall, because if the fridge were a pantry accessing this corner would be fine as standard 600mm bench top depths are reachable, however fridges are ordinarily 800mm deep, making it difficult to reach past to shelving. It appears as though the Bec hypo that runs into that corner currently has a slight return, and perhaps a corner cabinet, so if the fridge moves down you could build shelves or a microwave appliance nook there, but again pushing it back into that corner with the fridge there will make it Lu possible for you to reach, I suggest a non structural change. Remove the nib wall which encloses the fridge, and extend the back wall the fridge is currently on, this extends the hallway, and allows you to build in an appliance cabinet after the corner, and then the fridge to follow. I would create a new island coming off that new wall, effectively creating an enclosed u shape kitchen rather than the L SHAPE and island you now have. Removing the nib wall and extending new stud wall from the existing will be easy and cost effective, even something that your partner could do. Tis way you can have an improved work area, and new overheads on the back wall, visually linking in with the new front bench. Tis gives you an opportunity to basically re style the kitchen with minimal changes. While you Re busy ordering overheads, a new island section, the cabinetmaker would be happy to also supply change over doors to the remaining sink length if cabinetry, thus giving you an entire new look kitchen. I do also like the idea mentioned about closing off that pantry for a study, it is AR to big for a pantry, and really wastes the fourth bedroom. It could bebetter utilized in many ways.

I also think matte black handles will work well. They are simple and elegant and won't reflect light as the S/S ones do. If and when you add a pendant light (down the track), I think your focus on the handles will diminish. It's possible a suspended ceiling will complicate the look of your kitchen. What is the height of your ceilings? And a suspended ceiling would lower the height to what? Painting the ceiling sounds like an alternative and would certainly add interest. Your kitchen IS beautiful as is. Pls keep us posted!

Hi We have just created a Hamptons style kitchen ALL IN WHITE in an extension/restoration of a 100 year old home. It looks stunning. The cabinetry is all in shaker profile white semi gloss with Essa Stone 80mm bench tops and square posts at the corners. You don't need to have a different colour bench in order to do a Hamptons look... however the style needs to be complemented with the other items around it eg floor colour/style. Our floor is blackbutt floorboards stained with black japon (dark chocolate but light enough to see the grain) with semi gloss polyurethane. The white on it works very well. If you search for Hamptons kitchens you will find plenty in all white.

Go with your gut Tracy..... it is a big investment but I have found that if it makes you smile every time you walk into your kitchen you'll never regret it!!!! I've recently moved into a smaller downsized home with my 3rd black kitchen, with drawers, no cupboards, except for the pantry which we use as the crockery and wine glasses stash. Mine is matt but no handles = no hip bangers! I chose to use snow white stone bench tops, the walls are painted natural white while the floors are pale oak hybrid vinyl.