I agree with jbantick - it's actually fine - though if you've got concrete ceilings downlights wont work. See if you can run some LED strip lights under the overhead cabinets - they're great for task lighting and adding atmosphere of an evening - just get them to put the switch as a separate switch on the gang plate. I'd be tempted to go with white shutters or large blade blinds. I'd definitely be changing the window trims (to a warm white) and if you're determined to look at changing the walls I'd think about looking at half tint of the colour that's there now or in a slightly more malted tint. Deluxe have some great colours and if you're leaning towards lighter colours (including white) - just make sure to check the colours with paint pot testers on a large piece of cardboard and use white paper under/beside it when comparing colours, also make sure that you see the samples in all lights and at several times during the day as the colours can drastically change. Your floor tiles are lovely, I wouldn't cover them up with vinyl floorboards. The tiles are super easy to clean (if you've not got one already, invest in a steam cleaner - they'll keep your tiles looking amazing and they don't use chemicals).

Thanks to nickybaruch I am now considering doing the floor (which is now sanded back ready for finishing off) with white liming with a slight tint colour in it. Some say you have to be very careful when liming. Is this a problem? I would have thought it would be just like putting on a stain? Anyway doing it that way we would still see the grain of the timber floor which would be lighter than the dark cedar it was before and keeping the pine lined ceiling with the cedar coloured beams will blend in well I think with the lighter timber floor and the white walls we now have. What do you think?

When my own home was rebuilt in Christchurch I used wood vinyl flooring in Rimu colour. It works fantastically in any wet areas like bathrooms and kitchen and laundry (washing machine overflows! No problem). It looks so real and wears extremely well. The colours you can get are amazing and it clicks together. I currently also work in the flooring section of a home improvement store and having looked at how the different engineered floors are made and wood laminates and bamboos, I would say that if you dont have the money to spend at the highest level of engineered timber dont go for the cheapest. The wood grain is printed on and any moisture will kill that floor. Bamboo is a great option as it solid banboo. The engineered has a 3mm or so layer of the actual timber. It can be re-sanded lightly if it scratches. Personally I would go with the wood vinyl planking again. Looks fantastic.

I would go for the spotted gum option to create flow between indoor and outdoor, the social areas of the house. So when you have the doors open, there is a sense of continuity and the spaces feel generous. Monia