All of the rooms look great - you've done an amazing job and definitely added a lot of value to your home.

I think for consistency, painting the kitchen cabinets white as well would bring the whole home together!

Thanks Guys for your comments. What about I paint the island bench all Antique white and leave the rest as is? Two tone kitchens seem to be the go? Still not sure. Need some input. It's just that I got quotes to have them painted, and they want a fortune. Especially that I have had a paint brush in my hand for 40yrs. I can't bring myself to pay someone such an amount. Again, like I mentioned above, I am now 64yrs old with some health issues. I can do it slowly. My daughters think I should change the bench top white, which I have seen with stain cupboards, and it looked really good. I think I' m just burnt out. cheers.

Thanks Fiona. I just wish people would realise you don't need to spend much to make things look good. Everything in my house is either a Garage sale or Vinnies find. I then do it up. I have done so all my life, as I grew up in a poor family with 8 siblings. I must say it erks my hubby but he's gotten use to it. People do walk in my home and always give me great feedbacks and compliments. I have just finished this room below. All this is in SAME room. I just want to show how you can make things look good without expense. The Chaise lounge cost me $80! I did have to add more foam which I collected from someone throwing couch on side if the rd, to the seating & fix the leg. The Floor rug $70 from the Reject shop. The Dresser I painted white was $350. It looks amazing. The wall behind this dresser, I painted with Dulux Pearl STRIPES, it's a suttle feature, but looks amazing. The chandelier $25, I sprayed it Latte and stuck candles on it as I have led lights in ceiling. The long book cupboard was stained brown & again I painted and the chairs on either side cost $25ea and I had the cushions recovered for $40ea. My favourite is the Leather Chair. I did have it covered prof., That did cost a penny, but it was worth it. Believe me I hate spending large amounts, when you can get a better solid piece than the crap that's around. You can see in the background my Dining setting with 8 chairs. That was $350. I just sanded the top of the table and clear varnished it! I can go on & on. As I have so many things I have brought to life. But just want to make it clear to all out there, that you can achieve your décor without spending heaps. Oh I must add, my Brown Italian Leather sofa ABOVE I purchased from ebay including a lge poof, again $350.The white coffee table above was also Brown stained. I purchased for $40. I striped it. Painted bottom white, then just left a clear stain on top as once I sanded it, I found the wood was so beautiful, that I couldn't paint it. The 2 single sofas above, were purchased from Vinnies for $65ea. I didn't have to do anything to them. This is not everyone's taste, but you can buy to suit your own décor. I would love to write a book on everything I have ever changed, just to prove it can be done. So people on a tight budget.......... You can achieve it.

I would leave the bench tops black. You have done a fantastic job so far! I usually hate timber painted but I love what you have achieved! I would do all the cupboards, not just the island. I hear you on health, age and feeling burnt out but you are almost there. Hang in for that final bit!

You have done an amazing job it looks just lovely, my only thoughts to add would perhaps paint the walls in the kitchen area a soft grey, perhaps paint the exterior of the island white and paint your stools to match. Your splash back looks like it might be new, otherwise new tiles to tie things together, your black bench top is ageless good luck

Thanks Siriuskey, That is exactly what has been on my mind all along.. Do the I think it would break the Brown down a bit and not so harsh. The brown cupboards in the background would then tie in with Sofa and the pictures I have in family room. And maybe also paint 1st cupboard on the left next to fridge white also. Thanks

The repainted white cupboards in your bathroom look fresh and fantastic! I think doing the same to the kitchen cupboards would be ideal. I would then consider replacing the high kitchen stools with ones that are white with a natural coloured timber cross back, to add some warmth. Great job!!

Hi Terri,

I would go with the island and stools first to see how that looks and how you last !!, perhaps even remove the two glass doors and use these as open shelves for books or displaying something you like. you would just need to lever the hinges out and fill the two holes each will leave, would look at tiling the slash backs as this could really give the kitchen a lift. perhaps cheers

Oh Terri, you have inspired me! We're about to move into a dark Blackwood kitchen and seeing your ensuite demonstrates just how much lighter, brighter and better that kitchen will look once I get to it with the sander and paint! And age..... am 70 but refuse to lie down just yet. Thanks!

go for it sgelade, the prep art is the hardest but once that's done lots of VP look forward to seeing photos.

Terri, I've just had another look at your kitchen and now think that painting the wall cabinets would look better, they would blend back into the walls, also the island most likely would be the same amount of work as the doing the others, prep hard but lots of VP when you start painting. Hey a girls allowed to change her mind!

I think the kitchen cupboards would look great if painted, especially as you have the expertise. If you take your time and only work when you have the energy, you can look back later at the job well done! 64 years is only young. You have to keep active as long as possible in order to have a happy and healthy life.