Hi everyone, I've finally gotten around to creating a "Before and After" post which includes my kitchen and the remainder of the house. Pop on over if you'd like a look! We are very happy with the finished project. Thanks, Louise

We asked my painter friend and he recommended 4 coats - 2 primer and 2 top coats, oil-based to go over the stain. We installed some IKEA cabinets (pictured) and had the paint tinted to match. Good luck with whatever you decide.

The whole place has that 'of a certain period' look , but I suspect it can be done . The 'reverse' side of the bench in pic 1 has to go -- it looks cheap veneer that has overstayed its welcome ! Black or white gloss Formica or similar would lift that . The lino would need be modernised -- maybe tiles , maybe just 50 year newer lino , or wood planks would look mutual and modern , and reference the benchtop too . The wall tiles ditto -- remove and replace . Gloss white or black or charcoal . Or a colourful splashback , either the full width or maybe as a centrepiece 1.5-2 metres long , in a red or green or yellow or similar . Above that paint in ( I shiver as I write this ) grey . Maybe a 'frieze' of contrasting but complementary subway tiles , attached vertically to add some bulk . Ordinarily , I'd suggest cupboards or even shelves or a display cabinet above that , but anything added would look so out of place it would be hard to pull off , unless you matched the timber benchtop , and that would be difficult . And presumably change the cupboard handles -- a trendier stainless or chrome design would tie in with the sink unit .

Its your kitchen , but I don't think its too bad at all -- I reckon the worst sin is the wall where the Japanese style barn door is -- it looks too blue in the photo , and doesn't play well with the brown tones . The benchtop looks brown , not black , and whilst I'd personally prefer black with veins , the cost would be what would put me off -- I don't mind spending $$$ , but it wouldn't make enough extra impact for those $$$ for me . So thats it -- paint the blueish toned wall an off-white , and possibly change the picture frame for something brighter -- imagine that frame in a sunshine yellow or similar ! Done for $200 .