My recommendation would be to sand back the timber and re-stain in a burgundy or black lacquer. Remove the current curved benchtop with one with squared edges. Replace knobs with modern handles. Replace wooden shelving with glass shelving and behind the shelving on the back panel create a feature but covering in wallpaper. Please feel free to contact me if you would like a quote for a design concept.

I think everyone is basically on the same page here. Basically, this is a good kitchen which needs nothing done to it, unless you're going to live there and it's currently not to your taste. Yes, you can lighten it up by changing the splashback - it is rather brown (and I'm not a fan of brown) - but it is a perfectly 'servicable' kitchen. If you're selling then talk to a professional designer for ideas or go to tile, decorator store - or check out current magazines, and change a few things from there. If you're selling or renting, it won't make any difference to the price. If you're going to live there, then do that - like others have said, live with it for a while until you decide what you want. I think a glass splashback in another colour would go over whatever you already have there, but the countertops look like they are ceasarstone and they are fine - and a good colour. The sinks are also fine - wish I'd chosen them instead of a double sink - it takes up a lot more space but does the same job. I can't see too much that needs changing here, so it's just about what you 'want' and noone else can tell you that. All the best with what you decide.

The upper cabinets look odd and looks like it cuts off prematurely. Also the random range in the middle of the wall. The bechtop needs to go like wise with the backsplash. I cant really see, but are the tiles going all the way up to the bottom of the upper cabinets? Strip the upper cabinets and have open shelving Paint the tile or get stick on tiles that can go over the current. Go and get a laminate benchtop from bunnings or ikea.

The existing kitchen is just so cookie cutter -- there is almost no character . The irony is that they presumably added the light mint green tiles to try and lift things , but as has been said , its that plain and insipid it detracts IMO . As well as that , just visually I think the tiles go too high up the wall , but thats a minor moan . Those who know me will probably guess , but I think it heeds a stronger colour -- a strong sherwood green , or my favourite , a mid to bright red , even a maroon , would work best with the existing colours and some natural wooden lightshades and stools etc . Gloss black tiles may work , but my worry is that it may make the cabinets look even more like the cheapest Bunnings flat pack ones you can buy , whereas colour will add to the overall look . One little thing though 0-- the overhead cupboards I'd look at getting plaster or silicone or possibly even some small square mouldings added -- right now they look like they'd fall off the roof if you add too much weight !