I just wanted to share my experience because I am on a non existent budget too. I saw a picture of a bench I loved, contacted the carpenter, and he has just made me a birch ply kitchen for a total of 1600 euros, including fitting. (600 labour, 400 fitting, 600 for materials). He has kept his price low for me because he likes the project. I am guaranteed to use him now to build wardrobes, boxes, and shelving solutions as and when I have budget. Sometimes talking to individuals who work for themselves/do it on the side can result in very cost-effective solutions! I am paying 300 euros for brushed stainless steel countertops, and got a belfast sink for 100 euro including the mixer tap. Will send u a pic when it's done but my almost dream kitchen has been possible for like 2000 euros (£1800?) I wouldn't shy away from painting the units yourself as there are many tutorials online to show you how, but it is labour-intensive and eggshell paint on cabinets = drips!! You could always just get white or raw cabinets for now, and paint later when you have some cash? Make sure you use quality brushes if you go this route. Nothing more annoying than little hairs sticking in your lovely paint :-/

I'm a kitchen table girl too - a kitchen diner is perfect for me, the table has a bench at one side, Grandma's inherited jumble sale mismatched chairs with wipe-clean cupcake seats at the other and an auction find second hand balloon back at the head, room for 8 - table stretches to 12 when needed. Currently the table houses 50th birthday flowers, a get well soon card (sciatica), a box of wine delivered yesterday but not yet opened (temptation too great when on these tablets!), the ubiquitous condiments and this laptop. Eating will happen somewhere else tonight. My sister in law has two dishwashers in her island with the double sink (stretchy tap) and waste disposal. They tick my boxes too as long as I'd also have room for my precious well-scrubbed kitchen table.

Hello. Light marble look-a-like worktops are really on trend at the moment & look set to stay. I totally agree with @BagpussAntiques comments on dark glossy granite worktops however if you like them then go for it. Perhaps explore the different composite materials. Silestone & Caesarstone do some great ones which I highly recommend but if you are on a tighter budget Earthstone may be an option but tend to look more man made. Good luck! Best, CPI

Hi Minnie, thanks for your lovely comments. Our supplier has suggested brick slips so am just about to google them! Yes the existing fireplace is nice but always looks cold to me. I have chosen a lovely light grey coloured log burner that I think will brighten up the fireplace instead of the black surround that is currently there but I take your point of unlit log burners looking cold too! I had also thought about an oak mantle and have seen some very nice ones but thought I would wait until the chimney has I been opened up to see final effect. I also take on board your comments regarding adding texture and colour and struggle with this, on the one hand during the day when the room is bright I love the 'minimal' look and the black tops look lovely and reflect daylight and I don't like any clutter and try and keep them clutter-free but in the evening the black granite tops and splashbacks do seem dark although we have recently installed more spotlights which has helped. Thanks again for your helpx