Hi Helen, However its done, trying to strip the beams is a long, messy and expensive project. Theres also no guarantee whats found under the paint is going to look substantially better (though I agree the black is too imposing at the moment). I would suggest first using white primer on them then painting them a pale soft greige/warm grey colour. Enough of a contrast to the walls that you still get to admire them as a feature but light enough to help keep the space feeling bright and relaxing. Something else you could also consider is installing some warm white led strip lighting on top of the lintel beams. These would face up to illuminate the cross beams and help reduce the gloomy shadows. I've tried to show how this could look in the mock up for you. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flexible-Non-waterproof-Kitchen-Decoration-Lighting/dp/B00MHTNXRY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481108213&sr=8-1&keywords=warm+led+strip+lights

These tie in so well with the beautiful original beams, what an improvement!

Best to ask your structural engineer if there is a way to support this in timber rather than steel. They can do the calcs for you. Ask them too how much the door would need to reduce to create sufficient brickwork to rest on, and if there are any other options. If its just a case of reducing the width to each side by about 150mm of brickwork and that saves you the whole steel across the top of the back wall then potentially that would be a compromise that's worth doing to protect your budget. Only you can decide what compromises are worth making. The only person able to check the calcs and put forward an alternative are your structural engineer along with your architect. They should be coordinating the design between them and explaining your options so that you can make an informed decision. If they're not able to do that then change them. If you're working with professionals and still find yourself seeking the advice of strangers on the internet then they are not doing their job well enough and you don't have to stick with them.

This sounds like a stunning idea for a kitchen design. We understand your concerns with drilling through the ridge beam. A stunning alternative to drilling through the beam would be to attach a hook to the beam that holds the chain of the pendant or chandelier, allowing the ceiling cap to be connected to a separate part of the wall. This is a great example of this idea https://www.litecraft.co.uk/beca-plug-in-cable-ceiling-pendant-light-kit-black-copper. The chain of a pendant would mask the wiring wonderfully. Here are some lights that would look great in the setting: Somerset 3 Arm Chandelier Light – Black https://www.litecraft.co.uk/somerset-chandelier-3-light-black Fredericka 9 Light Ceiling Pendant – Pewter https://www.litecraft.co.uk/fredericka-9-light-ceiling-pendant-pewter Holly 1 Light Diner Ceiling Pendant – Chrome https://www.litecraft.co.uk/holly-1-light-diner-ceiling-pendant-chrome When it comes to the task lighting option, track lighting can make for a great alternative to recessed spotlights. There are some great examples of tracks connected to beams, creating a discreet look. Here are some of our favourite kits: Bexley 1m Track Kit with 3 Heads – Black https://www.litecraft.co.uk/bexley-1m-track-kit-with-3-heads-black 2 metre Track Light Kit with 4 Harlem Heads and LED Bulbs – Black https://www.litecraft.co.uk/2-metre-led-track-lighting-with-4-harlem-gu10-fixture-4-led-bulbs-black 2m Track Light Kit with 4 Soho Heads and LED Bulbs – Black https://www.litecraft.co.uk/2-metre-led-track-lighting-with-4-soho-gu10-fixture-4-led-bulbs-black If these aren’t to your tastes https://www.litecraft.co.uk/ has a wonderful range of items that you can chose from. We can’t wait to see what you decide to do with your space. Thanks, The Litecraft Team.