Kitchen: Before and (almost) After

There is still lots of stuff to do in the kitchen before it will look like a completely transformed space.
A splashback for starters, and some pendant lights, some prints that are getting framed, not to mention new barstools and a bit more painting...it really is all those little things that add the wow factor.
But I'm so sick of myself going on about it, that I can only imagine how over it you must be.  And when I started this blog it was to document the process, not just the transformation.  So here's a peek at the ''almost'' finished kitchen.

The obligatory reminder of what it looked like BEFORE:

Completely functional, but tired and outdated.

I've always maintained that the kitchen was a good layout, and paint was our best option.  And I really think it paid off.  Apart from new stone benchtops (6mm sheets wrapped around the existing bench) and a new freestanding oven, there wasn't a lot of expense in this kitchen, other than time and effort.
We clad over the the under-bench laminate with pine tounge and groove boards and everything else was just primed and painted.

AFTER (almost):

I can't tell you how much pendant lights and a finished splashback will make a difference to this space!

 The splashback was a disaster.  After ordering these amazing blue glass subway tiles from the US:

they arrived with a whole box smashed and the tiler had trouble cutting them without them cracking (it was always going to be a risk).  We decided to swap the blue and tiles around so that the glass went above the stove, to avoid getting the around angles of the windows.  But because of the number of chipped and smashed tiles, we ran out halfway through and were forced to go back to the original white subway tiles.  Now I have to find another solution for around the windows, so it's back to the drawing board!

I really, really wish I'd taken a photo of the blue tiles while they were being laid - they looked AMAZING.
If anyone knows of any similar in Australia that don't cost $500/m - I love to hear about it!