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.

Hi everyone, we have moved in! We didn't manage to paint before we moved and think we will go for a staged approach - above the wood panels first in a warm white then decide on the panels. I'm having a bit of trouble working out what kind of sofa to buy and how at arrange the lounge. All furniture except coffee table temporary in photos and would love some ideas!

Like your house! I think the verticals in the window on the left are vertical blinds - get rid of these - they are very dating. Paint the horizontal safety bars to match your other window frames. I think the house just lacks privacy - and this then necessitates curtains and blinds at all the windows, giving the house a closed off look. I would get rid of all the very solid and 60s era conifer shrubs and replace with softer planting and one or two taller trees. Perhaps a fence or hedge to provide privacy so those windows could be opened up to the sun and garden. Or you could plant a row of spaced standard trees (fluffy heads on trimmed trunks) (eg robinia, or a weeping standard poplar or willow) you'd only need about 5 along the street frontage, creeper round that letterbox, a few pretty plants next the house. Then open the blinds and curtains. You could add a screened courtyard outside the glazed area on the left. Talk to your local garden shop for ideas. I cant tell whether the walls are brown brick or brown Summerhill stone (thats those rough concrete bricks, also very 60s). My house is Summerhill stone and has been painted cream - looks fine and certainly removes the 60s look. Hope this gives you some ideas - good luck with your new house.

You can do whatever you like but there needs to be unifying factor such as colour and a cleanness of line. It is important any trims match in material and colour. Best to go with painted shutters. Bear in mind they will be seen from the road so think about any other windows seen from the same position. I have successfully mixed shutters and a drape. Shutters are expensive so get a professional opinion and measure - I went with the top local retailer and they still messed them up and i had a three month wait to get them replaced. All the best.