@mazpt, yes of course. Here are a few more pictures showing how kitchen, living and dining, and outdoor deck and bbq area flow together. Oska kitchen is really neat in detailing; wood grain on the doors for example, are matched across as many doors as long as a 2.4m sheet allow. Floor turned out very nice too. Light natural colour, wide and long boards, laid length way all the way from front door to the back makes the space looks a bit bigger. Although it is still a floating floor, there are minimal floor movement that make squeak sound, most of the floor are feels solid. I hope that floor squeaking noise will settle over time.

If you want Scandi or rustic then an oak benchtop on your existing kitchen and new door handles will do wonders. I know you don't want wastage but your kitchen is already 30yrs old so it's hardly that. It's the colour of the benchtop that dates the kitchen the most. A solid oak benchtop is a very minor update that will last at least a few decades to come. If you update the splashback then use a composite board or pressed tin over the existing tiles it's economical and fast with impressive results. I'd go pressed tin in brick or traditional geometric if I wanted rustic. You can have it powder coated any colour you like before installing and they do look great in modern homes. Easy to clean as well. Here's a smart modern example of a final look....Oak and pressed tin on white kitchen I would see painting either tile or laminate as a last choice. Unless you have it done professionally (they use an acrylic resin not paint btw) and spray it on with professional spray guns, it generally looks terrible and wears even worse. Having it done professionally is surprisingly expensive and you may find the upgrades above are the same or similar cost. I wouldn't change your top cabinets for open shelves unless you love cleaning and the look of clutter. It looks fab on Pinterest but that's because they've got those shelves styled with rows of uniform bowls, glasses and canisters. I have in them in my current home the only way they look good is if you do exactly the same. I bought sets of canisters and changed all my glasware for that reason. With the usual mishmash of items in a normal house they aren't a good idea.

Kate - Whilst I appreciate moving the door would be a great idea, it joins up to our laundry and the door is directly across from the laundry external door that leads to the side garden. I will take photos to show what I mean. Juliahocking - thank you for your suggestions. I am inspired by adding in cupboards/pantry on the opposite wall. Regarding flipping the kitchen 45 degrees, I have added measurements to clarify the space, and if I understand you correctly, there isn't enough room to flip the u-shape (although it is a great idea). I have added another (old) picture that shows the entry door, and next to the entry door is a sideboard/side shelf - this is where our butchers block/island is situated - so gives you an idea of the limited space. Old photo: Entrance door on the left. Next to the door is where the butchers block sits, underneath that painting.

Hello Ramya If you are restricting your options to Laminates then Yes these latter options of Canterbury grey Vinette and Classic white sheen or even the Blossom White Vinette should leave less marks after cleaning, following the use of cooking oils. Hope this helps, Malcolm.