I like the idea of the wood flooring. Any chance you could sand the rafters down and stain them to match?

As for the paint color, I'd recommend Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore.

I think our Nero Stella granite would look great in your kitchen, along with our diamond subway tiles. You can see here- http://www.granitetransformations.com/southjersey/products/granite-countertops/colors/
tiles.

Good luck with your project, hope this helps!

I'm in the USA, I mention it because I don't think you are. We call bench tops and splash backs, counter tops and backsplash. Might be differences in current tastes, styles. I like your idea of a subway tile, simple and clean, but not crazy about the black stripe. That's come in fashion and is out now here.
I'd paint your rafters all a dark brown unless you hate them and want them to disappear, then go with the ceiling color. I really like your beams and high ceilings.
Do you like your current kitchen layout? It looks like a nice work triangle but if you remove the shelves to the left of the hood you could install upper cabinets on both sides of it with a microwave built-in the corner (See photos. I can't tell from the pictures if the window will be in the way). Uppers on the left side of the sink too, you need the storage. Your hood looks high but that could be your areas standards.
Run your laminate floor through the den too. A smooth, light colored surface like granite or soapstone would look great with the subway tiles. Wait to pick out paint until you decide on cabinet and countertop colors.

Thank you, I would agree about the rafters, however, sanding them would be too much effort and they are very high, I am also concerned about painting them white because the kitchen might lose all it s character...so, still something to think about

Thanks, like the idea about putting cabinets on each side of the hood. Yes, we live in New Zealand, when we lived in South Africa we called them counter tops too. Maybe painting the rafters brown would be the answer, pity to lose the natural wood shine though. I worry that painting them white would make the kitchen look sterile

I really love your rafters - they give so much character to your home! I have post and beam ceilings and I (although a lower slope) and I totally get why you wouldn't want to paint everything the same. I would just go with your original thought to paint the walls and the rest of the ceiling a lightish color and you'll still have a bright, fresh look. I like the idea of white subway tile but I wouldn't do a dark horizontal line because I think it would fight with the sloping rafters. What I would do is to take down the three-shelf cabinet and the microwave cabinet and the little spice shelf and put in cabinets on either side of the hood. You can put the micro in one of the upper cabs or put in one of the under cabinets. BTW, your under cabinets are soooo cute and adorably retro. I love them! If you put upper cabs on either side of the hood, I would put the subway tile all the way up to the bottom of the upper cabs and to the bottom of the hood. I think it would look very cohesive, pretty and you'll have more storage to boot.

Just paint the green rafters the same brown as the lounge. Don't do it yourself!
Love your diamond patterned glass on the pantry. Would look great to duplicate that glass in the upper cabinets on either side of the hood. On the top picture I posted, the cabinet on the far left with the cubby underneath is a feature you could use in the same place in your kitchen.

That is an idea, thanks. I will have to see if it is still possible to get the diamoned patterned glass - this kitchen will be quite a few years old already, but no harm in trying.

Thanks, Hazel, I think you are right about the black stripe, might keep my tiling very simple and neutral

You know, Maguire has a good point with the distinctive diamond pattern on the pantry. What about 4x4 tile in a diamond pattern for the splash back instead of subway? In white with a light gray grout? Inexpensive and could really tie everything together.

I agree Hazel, I like Maguires idea, and I can visualise two slender tall cabinets on either side of the hood, one against the microwave cabinet and one alongside the door. each as high as the microwave cabinet

Well, I know this is 2 years later, but we have finally done our renovations - and this is what our kitchen/family looks like now, thanks to everyone for all the advice and ideas.

Hello Marcelle,

I am an interior designer . I can tell you a simple inexpensive way to change the look of your kitchen. Looking at the photo you sent the different cabinet heights , and all the objects on the stove wall are very busy . Your modern house is wanting a cleaner , simple look.
I would lower the small cabinets so that the top is at the same height as the others in the room. And put doors on , that will hide the clutter. Next I would do a tile backsplash above the stove , up to the same height. The whole kitchen will be pulled together by the continuous top line.
There is a small light wood cabinet with baskets in the foreground . I would paint it white , or the same dark accent color of the cabinets you have.
I don't think you would need to change the beams then , they would add interest and drama once everything else was subdued. Lisa

Wow Marcelle, your kitchen and great room look amazing!!

It turned out great!

Wonderful job! Great finished product.

Thanks for the positive responses. There are probably quite a few things we could have done which all could have looked great. Budget was a major constraint - with a budget constraint of $22 000 for the entire house. This included painting all internal walls and ceilings, (huge job on the very high ceilings which needed restorative work too) carpeting, oak flooring in kitchen/family, kitchen/laundry units, tiling, sink and faucet, new stove and sofa/chair for family area. So, like most of us, we choose the best that we can afford. We saved some by doing/fitting the tiling, wood flooring, sink and faucet ourselves. There was much to be learnt...