Hi Jenny, You have not posted any photos, so I hope i am on the right track with this advice! I have recently assisted two clients with updating their property, both of which were similar to how yours sounds. In the first instance, the timber panelled ceiling was retained and the exposed brick walls plastered over & painted in Resene 'Quarter Spanish White'. In the second instance, the timber panelled ceiling was retained and the timber panelled walls were painted to match the remaining plaster walls (a picture is attached below). In both instances, the spaces were dramatically opened & freshened up and modernised. I think painting the panelling and retaining the brickwork (on the basis that you like it) will work very well.

You were fortunate Donnae68, did you get it tested? I believe that you can get a sample tested for about $100 or so. Here is an excerpt on it's history: In Australia, asbestos cement materials were first manufactured in the 1920s and were commonly used in the manufacture of residential building materials from the mid-1940s until the late 1980s. During the 1980s asbestos cement materials were phased out in favour of asbestos-free products. From 31 December 2003, the total ban on manufacture, use, reuse, import, transport, storage or sale of all forms of asbestos came into force. Many houses built before 1990 therefore contain asbestos cement materials, especially in the eaves, internal and external wall cladding, ceilings (particularly in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries) and fences.

Hi everyone, You may remember my posting Design Dilemma back inJune/July 2017? Thanks for all your amazing suggestions and ideas. Many of our grand plans were just beyond our budget. We had considered so many professional recommendations, -removing load bearing walls, -installing larger windows. -Restoration of the copper rangehood ...a total rebuild as copper was on the front surface only with limited space contained within structure for ducting and fans. Time to rethink ! -Remove the tiled floor?...the tiles covered an extensive area with underfloor heating so jack hammering would have been our only option. Another rethink! -Skylights ? Not an option and we already had solartube type skylights installed in a very steep roof. No other choices available. Paint over internal cedar and brick walls? We were left totally confused!! Enter kitchen consultant number 4! A fresh look and approach to solving our dingy outdated kitchen, yet keep with integrity of our cedar lined and brick interior. All renovations now completed. We are really happy with the outcome. Before...

I had similar thoughts as robandlyn -- how will any alterations work in with the rest of the house . But unlike most comments , I actually think some of the features are worth keeping -- the yellowish stone has a certain style ; and even if its only kept for decoration , I like the wood stove . As a really cheap first step ( basically , if you don't like it , you have almost convinced yourself to replace , so you'll only lose $200 ) I'd restain those midbrown doors in a Japanese black -- basically a black white and light gold sort of vibe . I think that will emphasis what I consider the positives , but if you hate those features , then a rebuild is called for haha ! If you do like that change though , then see what else you like and don't like -- personally , I'd fit a bit wider and more modern 'bar top' / servery ( the lower bench seems okay , I'd get rid of that whole rounded end upper piece , maybe go charcoal or even a charcoal marble , sticking with the black/white idea ) . And update the microwave etc , and new bar stools is a perfect chance to bring in something modern but also add some colour -- maybe black tubing frame and maybe orange or red padded seats .