Hi iggs85 as it is an older kitchen I would not spend a huge amount of money on a revamp. It is definitely possible to paint laminate but good preparation is vital to ensure the paint 'sticks'. However a quality painter is going to charge you about the same as your resurfacing quote. Using either a painter or a resurfacing company does let you choose any colour though. The biggest disadvantage of the current benchtop is the bullnose which is very dated. From your photo, the colour and pattern look OK but you could get a stone 'overlay' put on it. They square off the bullnose so it looks more contemporary. An acrylic feature panel on the return is another alternative to vinyl planks. It looks like glass, comes in a good range of colours and is relatively inexpensive compared to glass. See http://zenolite.com/range as an example. You can buy acrylic sheets from Bunnings. You could also use pressed metal panels as a feature eg. http://www.wunderlite.com.au/catalogue/details/1/79/pressed-metal-crystal?start=25 Add some new handles on doors and drawers too.

Your kitchen is a good size but not huge so I would go with gloss white to match in with your lovely fridge. All white appliances. Light coloured bench top in the grey range. Backsplash, I'd go to tile expo, choose something you love and add some colour behind the stove, the rest of the splashbacks behind the sink etc in white subway tiles. Dark floors as you have chosen, all the walls in the house Dulux Whisper White. This is a great colour to go with everything, i use it all the time in my designs.

Thanks Ruth BT but I couldn't find the right style there. BUT I think I may have located some in NSW at Marina Isles: http://www.marinaisles.com.au/allproducts/fir17/ They're expensive but I have passed the details to my cabinet maker. Maybe he can score a good deal for me. Still hoping to find another (cheaper) supplier if possible but the only other place I've found who sells these is in the US. Not ideal.

Nice kitchen casdyson1! I rather like the idea of black handles, esp seeing your window frames are black and the track for sliding door is black; however, I do understand your hesitation. Out of those two samples, I prefer the Brushed Brass. It's prettier and the rounded design will feel better in your hand (ergonomic). It would be helpful to know what your backsplash will be, and if you plan any additional feature lighting in kitchen. It may alter my thinking.