Hi, Yes we have beautiful indigenous trees in South Africa to choose from. We purchased the property 7 years ago and they were already dead by then, pity I did not plant replacement trees immediately. We are on the Highveld, "Highfield" region of South Africa which is not ideal but there are huge Pin Oaks and English Oak growing in other gardens. The Highveld is +-5800 feet above sea level, summer rainfall, cold icy winter mornings not the Oak trees natural habitat. We also have winter grass fires due to the dry weather in winter, and this is what killed them as our 10 acre property was overgrown. The previous owner stopped the project in 1985 but left an established garden. We are also blessed with huge Acacia Caffras and Karoo types. Also there are invasive species like the Eucalyptus and wattles. I would like to replace them as it is a lane and I would like to continue with the uniform look. Thank you for the advice.

Could you maybe go with a slightly off white cabinet that would be a little lighter than the appliances? Then you could stick with your original color scheme but just not stark white. I think it would be homey and beautiful. As an extreme Diyer, I'm going to offer a little unsolicited advice. I know when you said you "don't know where to start" you are speaking from a design standpoint, but from a remodeling standpoint there is a very good reason to do things in a certain order. I would start from the top (ceiling) and work my way down. Anything you do above has the potential for messing up what's below. I love the idea of the beadboard ceiling and it would not be that difficult to cover your current textured ceiling. If this is the direction you want to go, I'd definitely do that ceiling first.

That's a good point Unique Wood Floors. I will write them an email to follow up and send them the photos I have. We had the owner out yesterday and he agreed that, while some imperfections are to be expected, this is beyond what he would consider acceptable. He said that the waves are caused by the hand-sander (which was the newbie guy). It breaks my heart because I know every craftsman has to start somewhere...I just don't want it to be on my $4000 job! He was very polite and told us to go ahead and move back into the house; that his crew will move everything out and back in when they come to redo. I did not think to ask if he would send the same or a different crew. I will have to come back in two weeks and post pictures of the redo. Thanks again guys!

It started off as a simple upgrade to the Shower Stall. Then, we started to talk about the flooring - (Pergo in the open-area that was installed 10 years ago, and then carpets in the bedroom that's over 20 years). Then once we decided to replace the flooring, then we thought about the Kitchen cabinets ... :) I am just afraid that if I will regret if I retain the kitchen cabinets. Here is my current Kitchen Layout - The photo that I put in comments earlier was top left corner of the Kitchen (ie. Open to Formal Dining). I don't like the current Kitchen Layout that much. It seems a bit cramp around the Breakfast area - partly due to how we orient the Table and Chairs, and it was a bit big for our small breakfast area. I think I should take this opportunity and change the Kitchen Layout. I come up with the plan below. Moving the FRIDGE; get rid of the Island. and change it to Peninsula. Then Installed Banquet style seating on the corner. Will that work?