This would be a great idea to keep an eye on what your kids do on the Internet. Specially important these days with so many predators out there making kids think they are their age!

Go with your gut Tracy..... it is a big investment but I have found that if it makes you smile every time you walk into your kitchen you'll never regret it!!!! I've recently moved into a smaller downsized home with my 3rd black kitchen, with drawers, no cupboards, except for the pantry which we use as the crockery and wine glasses stash. Mine is matt but no handles = no hip bangers! I chose to use snow white stone bench tops, the walls are painted natural white while the floors are pale oak hybrid vinyl.

Don't box your stairs in, as it will close in the space. You do need to address the balustrade as it doesn't comply with the current regulations and actually looks a bit flimsy - painting it will not improve the safety aspect so don' even bother. Steel stringer stairs are most certainly not cheap, and are often used in high end architect designed houses. I would consider refinishing the timber stair treads by sanding them back and applying a tough, clear, timber floor finish, possibly in a satin or matt before you install a new balustrade. The only thing that could do with a paint is the existing steel, possibly in a matt black. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

As you haven't supplied any measurements, it's a little hard to gauge the correct size of the lounge etc, however, I would definitely take the dining table out of the lounge. Like oklouise, I would set that up in the kitchen area. I would opt to place it hard against the laundry wall and pull it out into the kitchen when it is required. I would also opt to have a narrow table that could be lifted to become fullsize. How friendly a terms are you on with your landlord? I would be putting a good case forward to him/her to install a heat-pump high on the wall above where the dining table is in your pic. There looks to be an area outside the WC wall to place the outside unit and it would be very easy to duct through to install the inside unit. While at it, get the heater taken out. Hopefully, the landlord would be able to see that a heat-pump would be cost effective whilst freeing up the corner for you. Do a little research beforehand. I would put the TV, and other lounge cabinetry on the white wall that backs onto the kitchen and if possible, around the corner slightly, where the heater is. That would free up the remainder of brick wall that has no window on it, for you to arrange your seating. As already suggested, I would also set your guitars up near the base of the stairs. Thoroughfare from the entrance, to the stairs, to the outside and to the kitchen and bathroom needs to be an uninterrupted flow.