Thanks all for the suggestions! White ceiling really makes sense thanks Helen. I would not have thought to do that but as i sat out there over the weekend it makes perfect sense. At this stage I'll stick to repainting the deck as well due to the cost but long term I'll definitely be looking at sanding or replacing the timbers of the deck. With all the dark colours it really does have an oppressive feeling and i almost feel like i need to hunch over as i walk through so lightening up the colour scheme is definitely the way to go. And yes Angela those blind will be going :)

Hi Trish, Glass splashbacks can be any Dulux paint colour. As long as you have good lighting like led strip lighting under overhead cupboards you can use the glass splashback to show your personality. Laminex Diamondgloss laminate for the cupboards in a light colour will brighten up your kitchen. This project we used dark edging to the cupboard doors and recessed drawer pulls to make it a bit more interesting rather than it all being the same colour. Regards Jane McDougall ARBV 14988 alsoCAN architects 1/52 Burnley Street Richmond V3121 Ph: 9421 3433 Mb: 0413 332 874 www.alsocan.com.au

White walls with the gold and red for other things.

Hi Suewiley, Great advice from the other contributors, but beware white is just not white!! This is where a lot of people go wrong. And you need to be aware there are many different undertone colours when you pick your neutrals both cool and warm. With the orange coming through in your floors the previous owner has picked up on this and painted the walls with this tone which tends to emphasise the floor and date the home this is also a warm tone. If you want to lift the space and give it a more modern and airy look I would look to introduce a blue undertone neutral to the walls which is a cooler tone it will modernise and make the space brighter and seem bigger. Blue is also a perfect complimentary colour to orange you also have blue green coming through your couch and violet in your rug which sit beautifully next to blue. Will also lift the kitchen which only appears dated because of the emphasis of orange from the floors and walls the colour change will really make this area pop. Using Dulux, I would recommend 'Lexicon Quarter'on the walls. I would keep the wood beams as is and go with a Vivid White on the ceiling. Hope this Helps. Good Luck! Thanks Paul