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 Ang, I thought I'd follow up my earlier comment with pictures of before and after of pine cupboards I specified to be painted in a budget makeover. My clients tell me people presumed they had purchased brand new cabinetry, so startling was the makeover. Somehow I have put the "after" on the left and "before" image on the right!

I think the spanish white in gloss will accomplish what you're trying to do in the room (i.e. make it look warm). The colour will go good with all of the other colours in the room. What did you decide to do?

I need advice on colours for my entranceway - its 1770m wide and 5900m long. The walls have recently been re-gibbed with T&G panels attached approx a third of the way up the wall from the floor. I want to paint the area. I thought a darker shade on the t&g with a lighter shade above. Something to give it a bit of character. I want a warm neutral shade because its a cold south island nz climate. At this stage I am thinking a smoky grey tile on the floor with heating underneath. What colours do you recommend to go with the tiles? The door into the entrance and the door leading from entrance to kitchen are both cedar. So something to also match with them. Really appreciate some comments!! Also, the tiles would flow through the cedar door into the kitchen area which is an antique white shade. Open to suggestions of tile colour too.....nothing set in concrete as yet.