Long ago when I was in high school, we had a sports lesson doing hurdles. I loved it and secretly thought I was great at it. At the end of the lesson, we were sauntering back to class and I decided to show my friends once again how good I was. Now, hurdles must be approached from only one side. If you don't make it over, (from the right side)it smacks down. The other side doesn't move when hit. Well, I approached from the wrong side and had a little too much saunter and not enough pace, so didn't make it over. I hit it hard and the hurdle didn't budge. I was draped over the top in a horribly awkward position. Finger tips just off the ground on one side, toes just off the other side, bottom in the air, school uniform around my ears! Everyone gathered around laughing their heads off. Finally, after much laughter I was lifted off by my school mates. Lesson learnt, don't show off!

Yes- that is a very good question!!! I've been trawling Australian suppliers for months for something different. I also need Appliance Pulls (for integrated DW and Fridge), which there is very limited choice of here. Everything here is same-same China made mass imports. I literally ordered my hardware last night from: www.knobbrands.com They do ship to Australia. At least I hope so!! I've ordered them and paid! Without knowing your budget, you could check out www.englishtapware.com.au They stock some high-end UK brands. I did go and view them in store and they are beautiful handles/knobs and fabulous quality. I couldn't justify the $500/each for appliance pulls when I need 4!. It was a real dilemma, I hate it when I see something I love and absolutely can't have it!! I tried some on-line vendors in the UK, and had no luck with them either. I can update you when my handles arrive.

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.

Hi, paint cabinets white, off white, deep navy blue, greige or moderately dark grey. two tone would also look ok - light/white on top, darker on bottom. Maybe choose paint based on other colours used in house. Please do not paint sage!!!! replace the cabinet handles with modern chrome T handles or similar. Replace curtain with white venetian. paint/cover brick. get rid of brick next to stove and replace with a panel. tile paint tiles white and extend to behind stove. or get creative and add a nice geometric feature tile that compliments the colours behine stove and exhaust fan. put down some cheap water proof wood look laminate click flooring. consider adding same geometric print to breakfast bar and add a couple of cute high stools from kmart or ebay. Change fan to chrome or spray paint silver. replace beam light with pendant light, maybe glass to be safe or something that is modern, meracrtor is good brand, or even just a modern round oyster type light. Cheers goodluck