Just to throw another option into the mix – look up Marmoleum for your kitchen floor – it's a modern version of linoleum (not vinyl!). It comes in the most amazing range of colours and looks (about 300 to choose from – from very bright primary colours through all the secondary and tertiary colours, marbled or stripey or plain), has all the green credentials (97% natural components like linseed oil, wood flour, jute etc; nearly 50% recyclable content and 100% biodegradable – it even smells great when it is first laid), extremely hard-wearing, easy to clean and maintain, comes in either sheets, tiles or planks and it is quiet to walk on. It is used in hospitals and schools because of it hygienic characteristics and doesn't give off volatile gases like vinyls. We have put it down in our new kitchen about six months ago and I love it. One of the things I love most is how quiet it is – no clicking, clanking noises as people walk on it. It sweeps clean easily, wipes clean (for spots), mops beautifully every now and then and looks wonderful. Highly recommend it!

Thanks for the photo's it really show's what should be painted with what, just by looking at the first photo looking towards the stairs, the painted bulk head would really bring the ceiling down and then again the second with the bulk head above the external door, wall colour is the right choice for me. cheers

Yes paint white and remove carpet. Paint is cheap as are professional painters. Painters charge what, say $60 per hour so just work out how long it would take you to do it and include setting up, cleaning before and after, any prep work, etc. Then multiply by 60. If existing floorboards under carpet then that would be terrific. Otherwise if no floorboards then it could not be so straightforward. Too difficult to estimate costs really as we don't know how large the spaces are.

I think in this case paint them white. I’m not sure why everyone always paints the ceiling a different white. Our designer said to paint the ceiling the same white as the walls and I absolutely love it, and have done the same in subsequent renovation. We used Lexicon half strength throughout and I love the ‘art gallery‘ vibe it gives. Also, why not go real wood on the floor? Yes it might be a bit more expensive but so worth it feeling the beauty of a natural material beneath your feet everyday and much better for resale value on the house. We recently installed european white oak throughout and I love it every day, and it’s so durable and easy to keep clean.