Those gates really do look good. We advise our customers that if they want a painted finish NOT to go for hardwood. The cost can easily double (if not treble) in price and there is no real advantage if instead using a slow grown softwood! In fact, density level of iroko (hardwood) and slow grown redwood pine is extremely close. Yes hardwood is dense but so is some softwoods. Also, the natural beauty of hardwood with a quality oil finish is stunning and seems a crime to paint - in our opinion!

Just to repeat what a couple of others have said. The cabinet is in great condition and a good colour. perhaps change the knobs for a very simple small aged brass or even a dark bronze button type. Change the lamp as it is too big for the unit, the shade is pressing against the wall, (it could work well on a side table by a sofa perhaps). Exchange it for a lamp with some brass incorporated into it (very popular and in most decor stores now) and it could look lovely. the difference between painting or leaving the unit, depends on the final look you are going for. If you want a more classic feel. Don't Paint, go with the above suggestion. If you want more quirky as some of your accessories suggest, Then Paint and adorn with crazy abandon! Happy days!

I'd be temped to paint it white and either put a black cast iron insert in or line out the opening with brick (love the herringbone example shown below) and put a wood burner in. http://www.chesneys.co.uk/products/accessories/interior-panels/ches-brickherin

Aw shucks guys! Thanks! I’m definitely aiming for a tiny bit more stylish. My partner brought that heinous green drainer from his house and was everso pleased with himself for solving a problem I wasn’t aware I had! And the el cheapo Wilko kettle is a placeholder til I get a boiling water tap, so I haven’t upgraded it for three years. Plus he’s got a brewing corner in the kitchen, and a 3D printing bench in the utility. I’m just glad to have his wallpapering skills! Though we had a difficult conversation when he replaced my Henry who fitted under the stairs for his Dyson which doesn’t :-)