I would consider something light with some other colors to mix in like this. http://t.homedepot.com/p/Silestone-2-in-Quartz-Countertop-Sample-in-Mont-Blanc-SS-Q0220/203674451/ I like the wood paneling and would paint it a white with a warm feel to it. A white will reflect a lot of light from your large window. I wouldn't paint the window casing as it might tie in better with the rest of the house. Good luck!!

This project required a small renovation, where my clients wanted to create something simple and light, without costing a fortune. In the guest bathroom we were able to leave the plumbing as is and worked on replacing the WC, Shower and Vanity. In the laundry the area in the room behind the counter, storage area was pushed back allowing for a larger space within the narrow room. A new door was put in and a new window. Before: After: This extension of space allowed for the guest bathroom to be extended out as well to allow for a larger vanity and all round larger and more accommodating space. The counter top in the laundry is bamboo, the simple black tiles above and perhaps later down the clients will put up cupboards and shelving as suggested. Before: After: The light grey ceramic tiles on the floor replaced the dark ones that made the space feel small and cramped. The white on the walls and new lighting give a totally different feel to the room and makes it a far more welcoming space to work in. Check entire project here!

What about colour , character and personality ? A splashback with a pond and a tree may be great , or look naff , as the Poms would say . Potentially , its on the right track , but look at pic 3 . Gone to sleep yet ? Probably $30k spent on nothingness . Now look at pic 3 , and imagine your splashback . Even if it is ( cringe ) black and white too , it will actually add to it . A bit . I don't like the particular light used in pic 1 , but its got character , you notice it , it is not totally bland . Pic 3 is .

I would like to keep the beautiful knotty pine ceilings and soffit, and cabinets (but paint a different color). I will be updating the floor and counter tops. My real dilemma is the wall - it's a ceramic tile that looks like brick and the color is so bland. I would like to brighten that up with paint but am having trouble deciding on the color combo of the cabinets and walls. The kitchen is open to a living area that is decorated mainly in sage green and cream.