Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I am amazed at the response! I think we will go ahead and change the benchtops, replace the cooktop with stainless steel, a new rangehood, splashbacks and new door and drawer handles and possibly a new sink and taps. We will consider painting the beam and post and add a modern blind to the window. Then if we are still not happy, maybe we can rethink the painting of the cupboards? Actually, I like the timber, so if these changes work I will be more than happy to leave them as they are. Our floor tiles are relatively new and are throughout the entire downstairs area. Also, the wall paint we know is not the right tone (for the floor tiles) but is in good nick and will be remaining until we are ready to repaint. Rome wasn't built in a day but I will add photos when we start the process and you can follow our progress. Thanks again

If I walked into a bathroom that had painted tiles and I didn't have the money to repair it, or I liked the original yellow, I'd be dark. Once you paint it, the tiles will definitely need replacing at some stage. At work I always say, will your quick fix make more work in the long run. Change the taps to chrome(stainless is too expensive) and leave it. It's a clean functioning space that will not turn anyone off.

painted glass will be a perfect solution for your dilemma...my parents couldn't afford a solid bathroom door and solved the problem by painting a glass door with a dainty pattern by dabbing the brush rather than using sweeping strokes...paint lasted for many years and never needed redoing and i think a simple couple of coats to cover any missed spots will give an excellent result without any extra preparation than the usual wash and dry the surface and protect against drips

Hearty Home. If it ain't broke don't fix it is your best slution. The pressed metal looked the part to moi; subtle character, and not like everyone elses. I've just renovated; all new kitchen has bevelled-edged white subways w' pale grey expoxy grout. Timeless is always timeless. Changing your pressed metal look could make the rest of the kitchen design look odd. I note this article is months old; So now I'm wondering what you did?