I would suggest you take out the cabinet that is to the right of the stove and use it elsewhere in the house -- perhaps in the bathroom or dining room with a hutch above it. Then, I would suggest you have someone install a lazy susan cabinet in the corner between the sink counter and the stove, meaning you would move the stove down a bit and have a small cabinet/counter top to the right of the stove. I would suggest you have the cabinets refinished in white and then paint the walls a pastel you like. If you would prefer white walls, then add white-painted crown molding and paint the ceiling a light neutral blue, such as Sherwin Williams Niagara Falls Blue. Then, I would suggest you choose a favorite accent color and use this sparingly in accessories like towels, pot holders, small vases or floral arrangements, and a valence above the triple windows. For a genuine 1940s look, you might have white ceramic square tiles with a rectangular red border installed as a back splash behind and above the stove. If you are replacing counter tops, I would suggest a light color such as white with a beige or light grey vein or striation for some sort of pattern. You might be able to find the same color and design in floor tile OR opt for a wood floor as another poster suggested.

We got the IKEA shelves that are pictured in the butlers pantry photo I posted when we were on holiday in Melbourne, Australia. We don't have IKEA here in New Zealand! Hubby is going back over in May/June so will get him to get more of that sort of thing when there. We would pay about 4x the price for that sort of thing here in NZ. I need to work out what I will do now where the fridge was and there is the angle change (does that make sense?).

Thanks Geoff, that’s a good point! We will paint the walls a white with slight grey to it, do you think a white splashback would work? We were thinking black to match the cooktop but also show off the benchtop. If anyone needs more info - the rest of the house is quite neutral, leaning towards a slight country theme but still keeping it modern.

Hi All, I am new to this forum & this is my first home in a month. I am planning to renovate the kitchen after moved in. Please let me know your ideas & expertise how much it cost & what kind of design suits this. (i am on a strict budget), possible DYI(except plumbing & electrical) & if any modification in structure(like if we removing the patio & removing that small piece of wall dividing kitchen) do we need council approvals? please share your thoughts. Main concerns are > Fridge location is not connected to the kitchen > Fridge & laundry in the same room & in the backside entrance. > There is a wall between the kitchen & fridge. > there is a Gap in the Kitchen > cupboard is not fitting when look. Expectation: The fridge & dishwasher should be in the kitchen. Re-alter or install new cabinets required.(L or U share) Is the island is possible? if so will the budget go high. Material for top either stone without resin. Tiles on the wall