can you give up the storage to have a farm style table as an island? OR... go black walnut on the island with a dark base:

That is very cool juliekcmo, thanks. Mtn, too funny. I've actually gone so far as to discuss whether I should go back to school and become an architect with an architect neighbour of mine. I'm not sure if my math is strong enough, and I'm not sure DH would approve at this particular juncture! But I'd love to. Yes, I just discovered the building forum, it is wonderful. I'm really impressed with the generosity and knowledge of the men/women there. Pal - maybe I could. It is a rural area, I'm not sure how much expertise there is around with plaster. Although my city is nearby, I live in a separate province from the cottage, and tradespersons from my province can't freely work in Quebec (where I'm building). But there must be someone, I will ask around. I have no idea at all how much more expensive that might be over drywall or pine board.

Hi Meilssa R, I have posted about my living room here, there are some photos: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/help-with-living-room-layout-new-couches-decor-everything-dsvw-vd~5510500 I have started painting the walls (Dulux's Designer Grey) and thought to get the lighting sorted as well as some nice curtain rods and maybe new curtains/blinds... Thanks for your response

Hey there! If your cabinet boxes are in good shape and you have countertops you like, there's good news for you - you're a perfect refacing candidate. BUT - did you know that refacing doesn't just mean you're stuck with your existing doors just painted? Refacing is an excellent option if you have a functional layout and cabinet boxes (that by the sounds of it are in great shape) and you want to update the style and/or color of the doors! With refacing you can get a completely "new" look for about 60% less the cost of "replacing" your kitchen. It's fast, cost efficient, and very minimal on resources and labour. If you have some handy DIY skills so you'd be a perfect match for a self-refacing project! At Nieu Cabinet Doors we manufacture CUSTOM painted cabinet doors (so if you've got some wonky sized cabinets, you don't need to worry!), where you can pick a totally new door style and colour to match your counters and other design elements! We also offer a design service that sounds like it might help you, where our designer will work with you to show you your kitchen transformed with Nieu doors (and all other elements - counter, backsplash, floors, left the same), and a SECOND design showing you a total kitchen makeover (including updated counters and other design elements!) Check out your available options here! We're more than happy to chat with you about your options - we even have a cute little sample kit where you can order a 9" x 12" version of your door style and colour to see it in a mood board with your counter, backsplash etc! Best of luck with your renovation! Please feel free to reach out for any advice on your kitchen, we'd love to help out.