Firstly to replace a timber window with aluminium isn't necessarily a good move. The existing windows are probably around 40+ years old so have done a great job so far. While maintenance is required by oiling and/or painting they still have lasted quite well. 40+ is a long time exposed to the elements. Timber performs thermally much better than an aluminium frame. Even the modern thermally broken frames are probably only line ball at best with timber. Repainting a timber window is easier than changing colour on an aluminium one. So far changing to aluminium there is not really any obvious advantage...... The advantage with standard aluminium is really only the cost to purchase, yet a thermally broken is quite expensive...... I regularly change aluminium windows back to timber on many renovations due to the poor quality of the older aluminium frames and timber looks so darn good. Use timber windows with a high quality glass such as Low E, Laminated or double glazing. This will suit the house and perform a lot better. I personally like the existing frame and configurations so would probably only upgrade the glass with a high performance version.

Depending on your budget I’d paint the cabinetry, replacing the doors if you can afford to and just painting them if the budget is tight. Just a thought, maybe it’s possible to fill that detailing in the doors to make them appear flat once painted. Not sure if it’s possible. It’d be a shit of a job but then you’d have solid wooden doors. And new handles. The same with the tiles. Paint is a cheaper option. New tiles would give a better finish. Remove the window valance. Perhaps resurface the benchtop with a product like rustoleum. Replacing the oyster light with something more contemporary. Open shelving can look great and lighten a space but think about whether this compromises your storage capacity. Everything will be on show. I think if you paint the cabinets then the floor won’t look so bad as there will be separation between the similarly coloured floor and ceiling. Cork is great in kitchens as it’s soft so it’s easy on your legs and back and forgiving if you drop things. It’s also making a comeback, as are timber ceilings. I would choose soft flooring for a kitchen over hard flooring. Kitchen floor tiles are a pet hate of mine. In my next build we’re putting rubber or cork in the kitchen. You’d struggle to put a double oven next to the fridge as it’s a thoroughfare. You’d also lose your pantry. Is two side by side 60cm ovens a possibility where your oven currently is?

Yours is the style of home that can truly be transformed with the right colour. Your house is already a light colour and it doesnt do justice so Id suggest going for a deep colour on the walls top and bottom and making a bold statement - unfortunately this would require repainting the roof as well but I think this would be well worth doing as pale green is going to be very restrictive to the colour you paint the outside. With every second house at the moment seeming to be painted grey Id suggest a different bold colour in blue tone - such as a navy blue, dusty blue or teal-blue with off white/cream for the trims, window frames, garage door and staircase. This colour combination looks stunning with a light silver colour roof (which is available in dulux roof paint) You have a couple of awnings already so Id add another one on the other side over the LH window and front door as they are very close together - this will help balance out the front of the house and add further interest and character. Paint your front door a contrasting colour as well to add further street appeal. Adding some plants up high in the form of window boxes under the front windows, and one under the side window with the awning, planted out with trailing plants (especially silver toned such as variegated ivy, white flowering geraniums, and silver dichondra) would look amazing! Best of luck

Before choosing any surface, do the finger test, unless you are house clean slave. The finger test is see what marks show with a slightly greasy(hand lotion) fingers. Most blacks show finger marks big time. Same with counter tops. Best test is scatter with bread crumbs, if that disturbs you forget it, otherwise you will be kitchen cleaning all day. The same goes for concealed handles, they quickly get full of crusted much and chip easy. A working kitchen needs to be practical, easy to clean and totally family proof.