I would start by removing the curtains - they are rather oppressive like sleepy eyelids. If you decide you need to replace them go online for a custom made blind.

Get a large carton and take out everything that is not essential. Leave it somewhere for two weeks - if you haven't gone looking for its contents you don't need it and can get rid of it. Try to look at your other storage areas - the kitchen should not be a dumping ground as it is meant to attract people not stuff.

Be prepared that once you do one thing others start to look needy!

Your cabinets look like wood? and are a good 60's colour. If the kitchen cabinetry has to stay - look at new handles and a new bench top. If they are a bit wobbly - get the screw diver out or put on new catches.

I think this space could take a 60's vibe with some replica mid century chairs - not too heavy looking either white or mix them up with some colour.

Before spending too much think about whether you want to change appliances as this could affect a new bench top and overall layout of the kitchen- does it currently work? The bench top should not have a rolled edge as this is really aging it is better to have a squared finish.

I think the tiles might be ok if you repainted the walls a mid century tone- [check out Houzz for ideas.] I am concerned that if you don't want to replace them painting your walls white would make them look dirty.

I wonder if you could pull off the feature tile and replace with another but probably best to look at painting them or replacing them with a coloured glass splash back instead.

A few new accessories can be helpful but I kind of like your kettle etc.

Good luck - do the less expensive things first- keep us posted.

Good on you for starting the clean up - just having all the benches clear and giving the whole kitchen a really good scrub up can make the world of difference and will make it easier to see the condition of things.

Definitely get rid of the curtains - a simple blind will look great.

The walls look like they are painted a green colour? A white that tones in with your tiles would brighten the room up too.( a warm white if the tiles are cream)

I agree with all the points in the comment above too.

Actually your kitchen is quite nice and homely. Just needs cleaning and a touch-up on the frayed edges.

Consider upping the lux level of the kitchen. Replace the old lights and put in some of the new LED lighting solutions with a higher lux level.

Hi, I can understand that it is hard to find a starting point in the kitchen since this space is being used all day long (breakfast, lunch, dinner preps...). Maybe you could try sitting down for a quiet moment and have a look around to see what you like in your kitchen: Do you like the colour of the walls? What do you think about the wall tiles? Sometimes - if you are unsure where to start - try finding out what you don't like.
I can see quite a few wooden objects in your kitchen: the cabinets, the kitchen table, the chairs and by the looks of it, the floorboards are also wood. All this in combination can make a kitchen look small. Try changing the colour of some of them for example, the cabinet doors or the floorboards, to get a different look. You could repaint parts of the chairs (white/wood combination) or add a chair cover – or if budget allows and you're not too sentimental about the chairs, swap them out for something "lighter".
I would probably also go and replace or alter the colour of the bench top. Adding an additional storage space with closed doors will help to "declutter". I also agree about the curtains :) I am curious to see how you're going!

I love the kitchen cabinets too. Curtains can go. If you didn't want material blinds, bamboo/wood blinds may work well there. Looks to me like you do have room for open, wooden shelves, to the left of the oven and above the microwave. Then you could move the cute kettle and yellow canisters onto those shelf.

good luck and keep us posted.

I would remove the dining table from the kitchen, its talking up precious floor place in there! Instead, make use of the wooden bench on top of the adjoining window. A breakfast bar with a few stools will de clutter the area immediately & open up the space!

Good luck, we'd love to see the progress!

Windsor Road, Willoughby · More Info

Laurel Street, Willoughby · More Info

First Avenue, Willoughby · More Info

Mabel Street Willoughby · More Info

Nelson Street, Chatswood · More Info

Hi there,. In my humble opinion I think the table dominates the kitchen. I was wondering if it would be possible to put banquette seating that would take up less room and build it on the wall where the hatch is. You seem to have plenty of cupboards. Drawers hold a lot more but are expensive. A cheaper alternative would be to put your stuff in baskets that you can slide into the cupboards. In a small home it is essential that it is free of clutter and not too much furniture to give the illusion of space. A place for everything and everything in its place has never been more appropriate in this instance. The cupboards seem to be laminate and could be painted. White is still a good colour. You could do the walls a really pale Aqua which is very popular at the moment and make sure it tones with the benchtop.

Hi gucci1, I really like all the really great suggestions and agree with most of them , the blind and tap will make a big differences and the de cluttering, have you thought of painting your table to lighten the space as well as some lighter style new chairs if in budget. (Budgets are always a downer but we all have them). In our last house we made a huge difference to a bathroom by changing taps. Do you have the skills to tackle the tiling yourself remembering bad workmanship will always annoy if you down DIY path. Like painting take care with all cutting in so you have nice straight lines, it takes longer to tape edged but well worth it unless you have the hand of a surgeon. Once you have tidied up never be worried about having friends over, friends don't care what your decorating is like or they are not your friends. I do understand that it is nice to feel happy with your home though. All the best and keep us updated no matter how long it takes

Hey,

Renovating can be overwhelming and expensive!

I would suggest trying to approach this as a longer term project rather than an immediate fix.

Firstly...Get a plan down on paper...roughly measure your area.

Arrange the kitchen appliances so it is more functional...maybe put the Fridge near the Stove.

Next...Spend sometime in Bunnings...This is the place to go for whatever you need!

Very budget friendly.

Now...work towards your kitchen.

Make a list of priorities...Do you need new tiles, benchtops, cupboards, sink...whatever? You can purchase and amend your kitchen in stages.

Maybe if you immediately painted your cupboard doors black, purchased timber or white benchtops, removed your blinds and curtains and painted or re-tilled your walls in white...then finish it with a beautiful pendant light.

Lastly...replace the table with a narrow bench...Maybe you can cut the tabletop in half and use it with stools rather than chairs.

Hope this helps!

Goodluck!