Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I am amazed at the response! I think we will go ahead and change the benchtops, replace the cooktop with stainless steel, a new rangehood, splashbacks and new door and drawer handles and possibly a new sink and taps. We will consider painting the beam and post and add a modern blind to the window. Then if we are still not happy, maybe we can rethink the painting of the cupboards? Actually, I like the timber, so if these changes work I will be more than happy to leave them as they are. Our floor tiles are relatively new and are throughout the entire downstairs area. Also, the wall paint we know is not the right tone (for the floor tiles) but is in good nick and will be remaining until we are ready to repaint. Rome wasn't built in a day but I will add photos when we start the process and you can follow our progress. Thanks again

I'd suggest that the first thing on the agenda would be to come up with an actual design. If there are going to be big changes, you might want to think about a kitchen design specialist. Once you have your design, decide on a budget. That will tell you roughly whether you're looking at granite countertops, caeserstone, corian or laminate. Same with cabinetry: everything is a function of price. By all means, have a good look around kitchen places to see what sorts of surfaces are available, and what appeals to you. And don't forget appliances. Ultimately, though, most of us are constrained by budget.

Kitchens are the heart of s home. You need breakfast stools at your bench so people can chat to you whilst prepping/cooking. Or kids helping or eating brekkie. tables are lower so don’t work as well. It’s not about the view for these purposes. 4 stools at least with backs hopefully and allow them to tuck under bench top to clear circulation to sliders. I would keep all within current footprint. Island: min 900 (at ends) & 1200 from other benches. If u go too wide it makes it more difficult to work. Too many steps. I can stand next to my dishwasher and unload into drawers opposte without moving with 1200. And can work on island whilst someone at sink behind Up to 1500 from sliders if having stools there. Love to see finished pics I like your style. Good luck

10 small repairs to sell your house better A small investment in renovating the home can be much more profitable when it comes to selling or renting it. A comprehensive bathroom and kitchen reform will be some of the most necessary. A small investment in renovating the home can be much more profitable when it comes to selling or renting it. Apart from a good image, it is also vital that the proper functioning of its infrastructure and facilities. Selling a second-hand house has always had the disadvantage of being in worse condition than a new one. If a product is shown in good condition and renewed, you can even raise its price. Spending money on your upgrade will allow you to get a return on investment. Likewise, it will increase its competitiveness with respect to the rest of the houses on the market with the same characteristics. Letting the home improvement experts do the dirty work for you. It is worth of your investment. 1. Comprehensive reform of the kitchen Although we are talking about small repairs, the kitchen is one of those that have the most impact and importance when it comes to selling a home. Change the floor, the coating, the entire plumbing and electrical installations, the tiles, and pavements, the countertops, the furniture, the taps, etc. If we add the kitchen furniture, without counting appliances, approximately the cost of complete reform could cost around $10,000. 2. Comprehensive bathroom update The bathroom, as Home Staging experts point out, is another of the most important focuses of attention when selling a house. For this reason, this room, along with the kitchen, will be another one that deserves one of the largest investments. Changing almost all the elements of a medium bathroom between 18 and 20 m² would cost between $4000 and $5000, according to scsgroup.com 3. Waterproof the terrace With inclement weather and changing seasons, this is usually one of the most common problems. The rainwater that filters through the terraces or roof terraces penetrates into the interior, degrading the interiors. Therefore, selling or renting a house in these good conditions will increase its value. For this, it requires the total cleaning of the terrace, fixing and repairing the tiles, and integrating insulating and waterproofing materials such as acrylic rubber, elastic polyurethane, asphalt fabric, etc. 4. Integrate the balcony in the living room Sometimes a small balcony doesn't look too good. Integrating it into a medium room can result in a spectacular room. With this renovation already done and a gleaming living room, the house will earn many more points with buyers. It gives more space to the living room as well as more square meters for the use of the house." 5. Change the floor The good condition of the floor is also another part of the house that must be taken into account. A renewed appearance will greatly re-value the property. A good idea is to remove the ceramic tile and add parquet, flooring, or laminate flooring. "Not only is it prettier but it provides warmth and they are also very resistant materials," they advise from scsgroup.com.au 6. PVC or aluminum for the windows Replacing the windows with PVC or aluminum carpentry with thermal break, both materials of similar quality, with a wide section, will ensure that the interior temperature is not lost. Isolating the house from the cold and excessive heat requires a change in the carpentry of the windows. This change will save a lot of money on heating, air conditioning, and air conditioning and will also help reduce pollution, with less consumption and less expense. 7. Double glazing A good closing for the windows is not enough. For good air conditioning, it will also be necessary to install double glazing or what is known as climalit glass, made up of two or more glasses, in addition to a sealed air chamber. Apart from thermal insulation, they will also do so from an acoustic point of view. Hire a pro for better result 8. Renew the furniture The appearance of the furniture is the 'cover letter' of the house and will also be important in making a good first impression for the buyer. You have to change those that are in poor condition unless you want a vintage or retro decoration, in which case it will be convenient to restore them. Changing it into a better distribution, renewing its textile accessories, adding new curtains, upholstering the chairs, or combining the sofa with cushions, will give very good results. 9. Change the pipes Renewing an old plumbing system will always be recommended sooner or later, especially for a second-hand home. In addition, it is one of the most common reforms and one that the buyer will appreciate. The most advisable thing is to change old materials such as galvanized iron, steel or lead for other more 'green' ones such as PVC or copper. For better result Hire a pro 10. Paint bath Painting a wall or putting a decorative vinyl wallpaper to highlight an area will give a completely new look. For better results hire a professional painter.