Instead of having a symmetrical nook at the far wall (as per the photo), have you considered having an L-shaped bench seating that goes along the far wall and that full wall on the right hand side? This will give you more seating and a longer table. In other words, no bench on the left hand side will also provide better access and by keeping that window on the left clear will let a lot of light in, plus you get to look out the window when seated. Good luck :)

Thanks Louie and Georgi for your comments. Great suggestions for me to think through. Thanks for taking the time to provide that detail. To help see the space a bit better, I've taken out the wine rack and replaced it, temporarily, with a shelf (that was in a different part of the house) that matches the one holding the water filter (the second shelf is to hold our phone and modem - again, due to a small house, it's really the only place the phone and modem can live). Plus, I've extended the table so that I could get a feel for the size table the area could potentially accommodate, now that the wine rack isn't there. The size of the table with the extension is: 1800 x 840. Ignore the look of the current table - regardless of whether we go banquette seating or not, we would like to change the table and perhaps a pedestal table would be best so that it makes it easier to get to the seats at the back. By the way I noticed that when I look at this post on my iPad I don't see all the photos I included like I do when looking at it on my laptop. Hopefully the photos I've included show okay for others looking at this. Thank you.

I like it turned that way & yes I can see you like colour too! Nice! I'm confused about about the old dining room space, is it behind the shelves still? Is this using your 8 seater which I thought you wanted to be separate? This way though is a very practical use of space especially if you have room to move it to the right when required. You may want to consider whether the microwave is better in the kitchen triangle either under the island bench (bending down to use) or beside fridge above bench. Another way is to build up one end of the island to house it there just for the safe handling of hot dishes near to a serving bench.

Hi Ange, Megan from online art gallery, Bluethumb, here. I'm loving the mix of industrial and bohemian pieces you have! I believe that a statement artwork above the dining room table would look great, especially one that balances the two interior styles you have working for you. Here's one by a Bluethumb feature artist I think would perfectly fit with the different aspects of the room, as well as the warm colour palette. https://bluethumb.com.au/brewman/Artwork/summer-landscape-ron-brown The piece is called Summer Landscape by Melbourne artist, Ron Brown. I've mocked it up in situ for you, so you can really visualise it in the space. It measures 120cm by 90cm, so should fit nicely on the wall. I have some alternative ideas for you, also from our feature artists, if that one doesn't appeal: https://bluethumb.com.au/george-hall/Artwork/silent-heat-135-x-90cm-acrylic-painting-on-canvas https://bluethumb.com.au/suebannisterartist/Artwork/the-honey-comb-effect https://bluethumb.com.au/haruyomorita/Artwork/Soul-Portrait-2015-1 https://bluethumb.com.au/bradley-kickett/Artwork/bandee-lakes https://bluethumb.com.au/dinah-wakefield/Artwork/last-light-dinah-wakefield Let me know if you'd like any of these works mocked up! Some ideas for styling would be to keep the space feeling fresh with some plants, perhaps some succulents or native flowers on the dining room table. This would fit perfectly with the trees in Ron Brown's piece! Hope this helps! Megan