I agree I think white is the way to go to brighten and lighten up your kitchen. Looks fresh and crisp. A lovely contrast to the floors and kitchen.

OK sounds like there's consensus. The more I think about it the more I think you are right. Do you think I should try and make the ceiling and walls different shades of white?

All one white would look lovely remembering the beige kitchen, can't wait to see the new space

OK Thanks, I really appreciate the advice.

Hi Suewiley,

Great advice from the other contributors, but beware white is just not white!! This is where a lot of people go wrong. And you need to be aware there are many different undertone colours when you pick your neutrals both cool and warm. With the orange coming through in your floors the previous owner has picked up on this and painted the walls with this tone which tends to emphasise the floor and date the home this is also a warm tone. If you want to lift the space and give it a more modern and airy look I would look to introduce a blue undertone neutral to the walls which is a cooler tone it will modernise and make the space brighter and seem bigger. Blue is also a perfect complimentary colour to orange you also have blue green coming through your couch and violet in your rug which sit beautifully next to blue. Will also lift the kitchen which only appears dated because of the emphasis of orange from the floors and walls the colour change will really make this area pop. Using Dulux, I would recommend 'Lexicon Quarter'on the walls. I would keep the wood beams as is and go with a Vivid White on the ceiling.

Hope this Helps. Good Luck!

Thanks Paul

Hi Paul, you have spoken to my vague question of "what white" so thank you. Especially the analysis of colours coming through in the rest of the house, and what would work with them. The furniture is not mine, so I don't need to worry about that. I am certainly going for a light open and airy look as it is in a warm climate with lots of greenery outside. And I appreciate your thoughts on why the kitchen looks dated and what would "undate" it. I am not so sure about leaving those dark beams, I am concerned that they will look even blacker in such a light space. The painter I am using wants to use Dulux colours so I will pass on your recommendations. Thanks heaps.

Hi Sue, I would just go with "White" untinted in Dulux (or any brand) Architects and designers use this a lot, specially in a house like yours with lovely high ceilings and wide open spaces, perfect for your climate also, plus it's cheaper. You have a big area to paint, I would paint walls ceilings and beams all white keep it simple. cheers

I'm with Illuminide, I'd leave the wood beams. I think once all white, you will appreciate the pop of darkness. They are a lovely feature.

Are you planning to loose the curtains? It does not look like you have any privacy issues, I'd go without to draw the outside in.

The finish on the floors is throwing more orange and lots of glare. If they are due for a refinish, consider oiling them (and never have to sand again) or polyeurothane in matte.

A couple of new pendant lights, and this space is going to look amazing!

Siriuskey, with all due respect, 'qualified' designers and architects never just paint white on a wall, those who have no knowledge of colour do because it is safe and they don't understand colour or paint. Lighting both natural and artificial need to be properly considered as does the position of the house in relation to North, not to forget the overall design aesthetic and colours being used in the house through furniture and other selections. Picking the wrong and right colours can make a massive difference and that applies to whites and neutrals. It's always wise to get professional advice from your painting decorator, qualified colour consultant through the major painters or an interior designer/decorator. Pay a little more to get it professionally correct the first time always is worth it.

Thanks Paul

Hi Paul, I consider that I have been told, I figured that you would jump in on that haha, you could research Houzz and you will find a topic relating to this. I didn't just make a loose statement I have friends who are Architects and designers of all levels and we have had this discussion. In this style of house "white" works, and wouldn't conflict with the kitchen.

Sue, You mention that the house is in a warm climate so I still think all white would look lovely with the timber floors and doors/windows, leaving the beams timber would look a bit busy. Having said that your painter could certainly paint everything white leaving the timber beams until last for you to see if you like it or not.

What condition are the floors as you could lime them to make them lighter? cheers