Id have Raised planter boxes put in around the outside of our yard so my mother in-law doesn't have to spend hours on the ground with a bad back to do the gardening!..

As a kitchen designer, it depends if your kitchen will raise the bar in the home valued around 800k or if it is need to be upgraded To fit into your interiors current style and standard. There are always many options, but let's look at two. 1. If the layout works within your floor plan, although would be necessary to upgrade appliances for either functionality or form, then you would benefit from a re fit out, with modern fixtures and finishes. 2. If you plan on modifying the current interior,and possibly reconfiguring the layout or even the zone in which the kitchen can be installed, then entirely re design and fit out with a fresh approach, considering all the options to explore complimenting your layout and flow throughout. excluding your appliances, a mid range to top end kitche of an average size should not warrant being more than 5-10% anyway, the 15% mentioned would be all inclusive, and designer fit out. Can achieved at a much lower price range. research your layout, and what fixtures you will wanting/needing to make it yours,seldom lay do kitchens swallow financial gain, they almost always are the Single lost important factor in the interior. If it's a home you plan on being in 10+ yrs, absolutely, spend what is required,but optimise your homes potential and consider the kitchen in a broader setting of your homes interior. if not, consider id range products like vinyl or pre finished doors products with stone bench tops as a standard for most. Save on doors and panels, products like. Contour doors by laminex or vinyl doors over paint or veneer and spend thesavingon stone. It's tactile,a dis the most factored in material.

thanks for your information which complies with our recent experience ..our mid range kitchen was just over $40,000 with custom designed cabinets to suit specific personel needs, mid range appliances and basic laminates...stone benches for my kitchen would have added an extra $7000 but i chose the custom sized cabinets and extra shelves in all cabinets...: so much detail to consider

Hi Sue, I think the wall colour (white looks like an white/off white) is lovely. It’s neutral and light, and will be the best back drop for any soft furnishings. I would suggest maybe updating some of your furniture. Your sofas look in good condition, so re-upholstering to change the colour may be a expensive option. in a bid to save some money, perhaps updating your rug to a lighter/more neutral pattern/colour (look at armadillo rugs) is a better option. Also updating your dining setting (perhaps something with chair upholstery to compliment the sofa, and even a large light coloured marble top) to be more contemporary and in keeping with your lounge suite would be the way to go. My clients often find it difficult to part with certain pieces that hold sentimental value, but often a new home requires a furniture update. In summary, I’m not convinced changing wall colour will be able to link all your furniture together. Stick with one piece that works well (ie. the sofa) and work towards updating the rest. Good luck!