I would paint the entire fireplace including the mantel, all trim and shelving white. I like the Whisper White, but you must bring the paint samples into the room to see for yourself. The sheen on all woodwork should be semi-gloss, easy cleaning and looks crisp. I agree with painting the walls and I would paint the part above the mantel the same color as the walls, Summer Hue is beautiful, but once again I have no idea how that would look in your room. The walls should be flat most brands make a fairly easy to clean flat. If the fireplace were the focal point of the room, it could look very cool and dramatic to paint it a very dark gray almost black. But at least in this picture it seems that the entertainment/shelving unit is the focal point. hmm .... better stop while I am ahead.

Manpreet, Congratulations on your new home! You can go with BWP ply with laminates. You are right in your choice of matt and glossy laminates for base and wall cabinets respectively. Without knowing your tastes, I am taking a chance to suggest you 14541 for base and 21187 MR+ from merino catalog. It looks good. Thanks, Nitin CORNERSTONE DESIGNS Bangalore.

Hey Aleen, It is rather dark but it looks really pretty. Until you redo the kitchen, here are a few suggestions! Paint the lower cabinets white since they are sandwiched between two dark surfaces Paint the upper ones a beautiful pastel sage (I love you colour options BTW, the mushroom and sage sound blissful) and mushroom grey (really really REALLY light) on the walls You can lay down a light coloured and thin outdoor rug on the floor to make the space lighter add plants to liven up the space (could be faux!) Lastly, the little sliver of the wall on the left is a bit of an eyesore. Try painting it over (black or sage green) and if it doesn't look nice (I have my doubts) then hang something there, like a faux plant, or some other kitchen decor item. Let me know if you need suggestions for that. I'll have to do some deep-dive research for that. all the best! If you can, share the finished pictures! Miloni

Laminate is incredibly durable. Currently we have a stone-look gloss surface with tiny, occasional pits for texture, no problems with food particles getting stuck. Previously we had a matte finish in color, it lasted 20 years before looking scuffed. I would not use raised texture on a counter bc the peaks would wear more quickly.