Hi buchlo, if you use a chalk paint you don't need to prime etc. I recently used Annie Sloan chalk paint with Annie Sloan wax finish to paint a dark wood TV unit. It looks amazing. It lightened up our room, I put new handles on which I involved filling the old holes up. The chalk paint covers everything. It is expensive but great finish. The wax easy to apply and drys hard. I love it. There are only a few outlets in Australia, I am in rural WA and buy on line from a shop in Carine in Perth. Postage is reasonable considering it is paint. I am about to start some new projects using it. Lots on you tube on how to use the chalk paint. The colour range is just lovely. If you want a white finish go antique white as has better coverage than pure white. Don't forget to post before and after pics no matter what you do. Ps I paint everything, but look up 'how and what' to use so you get the finish you want and you only have to do it once

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.

yvonne.. re sanding cupboards I had mine professionally sanded because they were looking worn. timber is American Oak and it really didn't lighten very much by sanding. so depending on your timber you might not achieve much. i would change a few upper cabinets with glass doors, white perspex or remove a few doors, paint the back of shelving and hang wine glasses or whetever and break the load that way. I replaced my range hood with a pull out chrome one and that in itself made a difference nt tying in with the chrome handles. see pictures. maybe you could paint the legs or reupholster the stools to white...all part of the kitchen.

You could have one side of galley kitchen cabinets in a richer shade of white (I'll have to start looking at the choices) and the opposite side in a grey. Will you have overheads too? Then the subway tiles in a softer shade of grey than the grey lower cabinets. I'd love to see photo of door handles.