Fantastic makeover that proves you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve something fabulous! I admire the fact that you have done it yourself(ves) as I can imagine how busy you must be with little kids.

Glenn, I think this is one time you need to work in reverse, check out kitchen manufacturers to see just what is readily available - nothing worse than getting ideas and finding what you want is not available or costs an arm and a leg, especially if you want a Federation look. Are you going to keep two stoves? Can you get more height to that alcove? I'm thinking with just the one stove you could bring that alcove out level with your cupboards and have a good sized walk in pantry. With fully adjustable shelving, this will hold so much, you could even keep small appliances set up in there to save cupboard and bench space. This would then allow the space you were thinking of using in the laundry for other storage. Photos of similar spaces. The third photo I think would go well with Federation, even the colour. [houzz=] [houzz=] [houzz=]

I went through that last year. And, whatever you end up using, the Ikea kitchen planner is a great help in working through choices, layout etc. I can recommend IKEA cupboards, which I got in two colours (antique white and a light ash) - and their installation is even cheaper if you put the cupboards together yourself (even doing the frames for a carpenter is well worth it). The drawers and drawers inside drawers are excellent. I also had to use Kaboodle from Bunnings, as I wanted a corner pantry - it's a system that's also worth considering - my pantry is well made and goes well with the other cupboards. I didn't use IKea for benchtops and splashbacks, as my carpenter had a supplier from whom he could stuff wholesale, which cut costs as well. Twelve months on, I'm still very happy with the kitchen, the quality of cupboards etc.

Congratulations on your new home. I can't tell what your kitchen cupboards are made from by your photo, but there is a laminate paint available that is suitable for vertical surfaces, but you wouldn't use it on a benchtop. Never choose a splashback after you have selected benchtop and cupboards. They should be selected together to work in harmony as you see all three elements together. If your budget is tight I would keep the splashback and benchtop, as they are very neutral, will work with your furniture, and are expensive to replace. Concentrate on finding the right laminate paint colour first and then the wall colours. Don't rely on paint colours that you see online as they are always different in real life. It may be worth your while to engage a Dulux colour consultant so you don't make any expensive mistakes if you really have no idea as they are very reasonably priced. https://www.dulux.com.au/services/colour-design-service/overview Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls