Hi Jody, to do this return cabinetry you need a minimum of an 1800mm wall, because if the fridge were a pantry accessing this corner would be fine as standard 600mm bench top depths are reachable, however fridges are ordinarily 800mm deep, making it difficult to reach past to shelving. It appears as though the Bec hypo that runs into that corner currently has a slight return, and perhaps a corner cabinet, so if the fridge moves down you could build shelves or a microwave appliance nook there, but again pushing it back into that corner with the fridge there will make it Lu possible for you to reach, I suggest a non structural change. Remove the nib wall which encloses the fridge, and extend the back wall the fridge is currently on, this extends the hallway, and allows you to build in an appliance cabinet after the corner, and then the fridge to follow. I would create a new island coming off that new wall, effectively creating an enclosed u shape kitchen rather than the L SHAPE and island you now have. Removing the nib wall and extending new stud wall from the existing will be easy and cost effective, even something that your partner could do. Tis way you can have an improved work area, and new overheads on the back wall, visually linking in with the new front bench. Tis gives you an opportunity to basically re style the kitchen with minimal changes. While you Re busy ordering overheads, a new island section, the cabinetmaker would be happy to also supply change over doors to the remaining sink length if cabinetry, thus giving you an entire new look kitchen. I do also like the idea mentioned about closing off that pantry for a study, it is AR to big for a pantry, and really wastes the fourth bedroom. It could bebetter utilized in many ways.

I think everyone is basically on the same page here. Basically, this is a good kitchen which needs nothing done to it, unless you're going to live there and it's currently not to your taste. Yes, you can lighten it up by changing the splashback - it is rather brown (and I'm not a fan of brown) - but it is a perfectly 'servicable' kitchen. If you're selling then talk to a professional designer for ideas or go to tile, decorator store - or check out current magazines, and change a few things from there. If you're selling or renting, it won't make any difference to the price. If you're going to live there, then do that - like others have said, live with it for a while until you decide what you want. I think a glass splashback in another colour would go over whatever you already have there, but the countertops look like they are ceasarstone and they are fine - and a good colour. The sinks are also fine - wish I'd chosen them instead of a double sink - it takes up a lot more space but does the same job. I can't see too much that needs changing here, so it's just about what you 'want' and noone else can tell you that. All the best with what you decide.

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.

Kitchen cabinets colour too dark,can you have more window? If you have large window then your kitchen floor and cabinet colour are good,but if you can’t have larger window/ whatever is the case/, then I would have lighter grey,whitish floor or timber floor like “ash white”, the bench are dark,all is dark according the photo. I don’t know where do you live but Houzz gives us much photos of much kitchen,maybe you will find your kitchen without having financial need or changing the lay- out Good luck