@juliede, I recently commented on another forum about timber versus tiles saying that hubby and I originally agreed on timber floors, as we both love real wood, and we have a local mill and the tongue and groove floor boards were, a few years ago about $36sqmtr and tiles were about the same again a few years ago. Recently I started thinking that tiles would be easier to lay than traditional floor boards given we're doing all the work on our build ourselves and we're not young but hubby isn't interested, as he feels the tiled floor would be too cold in winter, which would of course be true but how nice would it be in summer!!! Anyway, just a few weeks ago I looked at bamboo flooring available in a click style, so very easy to lay, whilst being 100% solid bamboo and I'm quite impressed to the point that I could really go for this flooring, problem is, well for me it is, it's over $70+ mtr. At over 100 sq mtrs in the home, that's over $7000 I can see now why allot of people decide to go wtih either tiles or real floorboards as these engineered floors are very expensive. Good luck with your choice. Cheers, Barbara

Besides the fact that it isn't my style (and thus I agree with oklouise to sell on ebay...), the first thing which strikes me, is the crammed working area: stove/ sink/ prep. How can you operate in that space? Other side appears to be too far away to be practical? Then the fridge! If you have an expensive and very ornate kitchen, you can't have a free standing fridge! One way or another your fridge has to be integrated, which brings you back to the style question. Either you like the style and just want to i.e.white wash it (liked that option, if you are into beachy, country), then you need a matching door made up (I'd calculate 2K) and buy an integrated fridge (A$ 2-4K) or you don't like the deco, lay-out, impractical space and want to replace it all, then you can possibly get away with a free-standing fridge in a much less ornate kitchen. If you basically don't mind the kitchen and can work well in the crammed working area, or your budget doesn't stretch to a new one (think about $ 25k+), I agree with the white wash solution and taking off all the excessive ornaments and trims, putting in a flat SS or glass range hood. Also install rails with hooks next to cook top and hang your utensils, you need every square inch on the counter! Microwave to be incorporated perhaps under oven and off benchtop. Maybe spend the money and buy a matching Miele microwave, will look nice with the oven. Look into brightening the gloomy kitchen (on top of white wash) by changing the black bench top and splash backs with light ones. It might save $$ if you just get the ex one covered ( I guess about A$ 6-7k). If it was my kitchen I would definitely sell it, before spending all that money on bench tops, fridge door, integrated fridge, m/w integration, removal of trims, painting, splash back etc. and still end up with a mediocre and impractical kitchen. Would be very interested to see more of your actual style. Can only make out an Ikea shelving unit on one photo... Your decision has a lot to do with the longevity (and cost) of a kitchen, your actual style and the practicability of the ex kitchen! If you can afford it, think long term and maybe save up for THE kitchen you want. If you want some tips on how to keep costs in check and still get a great result for a new kitchen, just contact me. Good luck.

Go with your gut Tracy..... it is a big investment but I have found that if it makes you smile every time you walk into your kitchen you'll never regret it!!!! I've recently moved into a smaller downsized home with my 3rd black kitchen, with drawers, no cupboards, except for the pantry which we use as the crockery and wine glasses stash. Mine is matt but no handles = no hip bangers! I chose to use snow white stone bench tops, the walls are painted natural white while the floors are pale oak hybrid vinyl.

The island bench is definitely a show stopper - WOW! I would love to have that kitchen. Looks perfect for a family home.