Lol AMW. There's about 15cm from top of window to ceiling & the walls are cement blocks (so no recess space). The tiled 'secret' drawer compartment looks pretty cool though. I've got a cabinet being made in oak which will have to be sufficient for my daughter. The only thing I haven't decided on yet is the punter colour material to go with my java marble tile. So any pictures or links of suitable countertop/bench tops to go with the tile & oak cabinet would be grand :)

If you want to paint, paint. I think I'd agree with the people who suggest professional re spraying though unless you love diy and love the idea of being able to change the colour yourself relatively quickly. I recently painted a dresser (heavily stained and varnished wood, nowhere near as nice as yours) and a chest of drawers (bog standard orange pine) and unless you can take the wood right back it takes coats and COATS and a lot of patience to get a good finish. It is worth it though! Personally, I'd go for a greyish blue on the bottom half, White worktops, and paint the uppers the same white as the tiles (there's nothing intrinsically wrong with them, a classic choice that won't date). Put in a steel splashback behind the cooker (it should be possible to fit over tiles) to tone with your handles and a hard wearing natural fibre rug on the floor to break up the dark grey. A few wood accessories and the usual bits and pieces to finish.

thank you so much!!!! I've had 12 months of hell with bad workmen, delays and challenges as doing a complete house renovation on my own plus holding down a demanding full time job so now I find it hard to even think straight or make decisions, but you've all really helped me which I so appreciate! I'm yet to figure out what style of pendant lights would balance the modern kitchen over the island plus fireplaces and front garden but nearly there.. any help on these bits would be amazing!! it's an Edwardian house which I'm doing modern traditional.. Oh yes the Red wine is certainly helping :) Thanks a million!!!

whizzywig and Man About the House, I have measured and measured and it seems I can’t have a shower more than 80x 80cm after the stud wall , that leaves me 80cm for basin. My concern is if it’s too small a shower, and we will all be mostly using the shower, it maybe too tight. It’s also not a lot of space for two ppl to stand at the basin with storage at the bottom and being hindered by the shower glass on one end and open door at the other. I would not take the basin or rad or anything behind the door as it’s really awkward using it. .. still thinking about this. Am I trying to cram too much in when I and not getting enough room for shower or basin, when I can have a roomy shower in the bathtub ( it’s 1500 x 950) and a twin sinks with counter space ( especially as the girls grow and more than on one will be in there at the same time. I know having a separate bath and shower is a luxury, but only one person can be in there showering or bathing at one time given that they all like their privacy even now.