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 Suz38, Being a creative business you can get away then the most offices so if you can take the challenge and have some fun turning your client meeting room into something crisp bright and colourful. Paint: walls a matt bright white, table - white high gloss white. Chairs: using colour therapy philosphy each chair should be a solid colour - yellow, green, and blue - yellow for optimism, green for creativity, blue for trustworthiness. This subtly sets the mood for the meetings you want to take place in this room. Art: Hang pieces of abstract art using the above colours (you could even have the staff paint them as part of a team building exercise). Lighting: LED strip lighting with covers at skirting board/floor level it'll make the room feel bigger. The covers are imperative for this idea to be appropriate. LED sconces in a sleek architectural design - put one or a pair on the longest wall Then group 12-16 mini 3W LED down lights over the centre of the table these down lights are small lights usually used in cabinet but look spectacular when used in non-traditional ways. During the day they'll add more light to the table and if you keep these grouped on a different light switch/gang you can use it after hours it's perfect for client/staff drinks. It's a very modern and looks glamourous without being over the top. Good luck - show us what you end up with, I'd love to see it.

Sorry for the delay....well I still haven't quite got to the floor yet. I have friends and family advising that black would show up every bit of dust etc and one friend who had a shiny black floor and felt that she was forever mopping, and if the light shone on the floor on the wrong angle you could see where the mop had been. I think this would frustrate me too much especially with young children and a cat so I think a whitewash look could be a good option, or reclaimed battered timber perhaps.......see why I haven't chosen the floor yet. Lol. You could always go a black but a weathered matt reclaimed timber that could look good too. Good luck!

HI Madison There are pros and cons for every situation, but you need to work out what is best for your lifestyle. Personally, I agree with the carpet in the living room, and hard flooring in the kitchen/dining areas. All you need to do is work out your demarcation points (where carpet will meet hard flooring). A great retailer should be able to visit you at home, discuss options, give you pricing and away you go! (Us if you are in Auckland :) ) With littlies, I'd suggest a vinyl plank.....other posts will tell you I'm a big fan of it, but with kids, toys, mess, liquids etc, vinyl planks will give you the best wear over time. They are very hard wearing (Karndean have lifetime residential warranty), easy to keep clean, and waterproof - can be installed in all wet areas. Timber flooring, depending on which you choose (real wood, engineered wood, laminate), may not be the best "fit for purpose" products in your situation. Whilst I'm not trying to champion one product over the other, having had carpet with little kids, and putting drop sheets over carpet, under highchairs, why wouldn't someone not put in vinyl planks?