A dark quartz countertop could give you great contrast if you plan on keeping the lower cabinets. Quartz is one of the most durable, can take a hot pot, doesn't scar and requires minimal care. (All other stone types have limitations and require extra work.) Daytime photos would give a better idea of what you have in the way of upper cabinets and light fixtures, how much light you get. Also, need some comment on your decorating style -- modern/cottage/traditional, etc. -- and color preferences. What rooms does this kitchen connect to? In the meantime, look into replacing the cabinet doors. These look somewhat 70s, and you may enjoy a wood or a color. There are a lot of companies that specialize in refacing cabinets. Some glass doors might be interesting. Search houzz for kitchens you like; that will help you focus on what changes you want to make and will help us make suggestions.

@sasha.G, If possible I would move the plants in off the balcony but if that's out of the question, I'm afraid I would try to get a family member or a trustworthy neighbour to give the important plants a drink over that period. I wouldn't touch the succulents at all over that period of time, they can go for months without water as you already know, let alone a few weeks. Sometimes there are "house sitters" that can be paid to look after pets that otherwise would need to go to a boarding kennel, collect the mail, mow the lawns, water plants etc... Good luck. Cheers, Barbara

Hi Dim91, a slow Monday public holiday, so I have been sketching. This would be a full home renovation and extension. Above your budget, but food for long term thought. Front bedroom would become new entry and storage, through to brand new extension which include living, dining, kitchen all assuming facing north. Study becomes the new walk through into new bedrooms and living area. Kitchen becomes bathroom. Laundry stays as is. Car space stays as is. Current front door filled in as window. This is just my thoughts on paper. As you haven,t given measurements it is completely my interpretation. But, as others have said, an architect would give you information on the potential of your home, as you have the land space to extend.

I sympathise with you and if you can ever convince them to paint over the blue it would definitely look better as the two dark, cool colours together create quite a harsh appearance. If your parents wont budge then yes I think you need to landscape to draw attention away from the these two strong colours, focusing especially on plants with a light tone and texture that will soften the look of the home. Silver toned plants and landscaping materials would really compliment both the dk blue and dk grey and lessen their severity, as would willowy grass plants which look beautiful against a dark background and that could be strategically planted in front of areas where the grey-boards-meets-blue-house are really noticeable. You could also add some large silver/grey feature rocks, weathered timber or line paths with silver gravel to further soften the look and draw attention away from the two dark colours