Hi Mike and Emma Hope you are slowly but surely getting there... may I make some comments/suggestions that you may or not take on board, but hopefully it may at least give you some ideas/options... Going through a new build ourselves at the moment, and for what it's worth, here's what I personally think: A. Work with what you've got: - additional plumbing work, gas work etc may not be necessary and (particularly gas) can be costly when you're trying to work around existing walls, floors, etc, and as much as possible utilise the existing connections... after whatever you can save here and there, you can spend on nicer cabinetery, gadgets, finishes, etc :) B. Avoid unnecessry structural work: - removing the kitchen/living wall is a must (more space, light, etc) but removing the laundry wall is an unncessary added cost (may even require costly additional strutural support) - putting up a plastered wall on the other hand is inexpensive, allows you to redefine different zones and relocate doors/openings where required (*note: avoid hinged doors in small spaces as you have to allow for wasted space to open door - suggest cavity sliding doors, easy to incorporate in a new wall) C. Don't sacrifice functionality and natural light for design - love full height floor to ceiling cabinets, very much on trend... but they also tend to bring the walls in, which you want to avoid in an already small space... they will also block out more natural ligtht from the only window to the living and breakfast bench (meals area)... not to mention seated guests would be staring at a cabinet tower and fridge - on the other hand a walk in pantry (not that much of a walk in a small space) is also very much on trend, provides more storage and... as entertaining guests in open plan livings tends to happen more in the kitchen... it provides a good hiding place for unsightly items, including frigges... (an underbench bar fridge in the kitchen can easily keep those beers cold... though do consider that means sacrificing some cabinet space) - constantly wiping off the floors from dripping wet dishes across the kictchen from the sink to the dishwaser on the other side bench would personally drive me mad after a while... the dishwasher can easily be connected to the existing sink water and waste points through the cabinerty... any half decent plumber should be able to do that... ON THAT NOTE... or should I say those notes... I know I got a bit carried away :) ... if it were me, here's an idea of what I would try to achieve ...

Hi Violet, How exciting new projects are always stressful but soooo rewarding in the end! A cluster of pendants sounds brilliant :) they are certainly on trend at the moment and give clients the ability to put a cluster together they love! Also helps when you're a bit indecisive. You can certainly fit a cluster in this space, the drama is in the staggered ceiling heights, not just the width and spacing of the pendants themselves. These are some options on how you can space your pendants, there are no strict rules or dimension requirements when designing and placing your pendants. You are free to explore your creativity with this! So do not take the above as mandatory just a general idea. Some options you can do are: https://www.golights.com.au/sandra-lidner-selene-pendant-light-in-clear https://www.golights.com.au/pendant-light-tom-dixon-etch-shade-e27-32cm https://www.golights.com.au/foscarini-urquiola-and-gerotto-caboche-pendant-light-in-clear https://www.golights.com.au/pendant-light-tom-dixon-etch-shade-e27-47cm  https://www.golights.com.au/pendant-light-stainless-steel-tom-dixon-etch-web-e27-65cm You can also do a range of pendants from the same family, but in different shapes for example the George Nelson Bubble Series: https://www.golights.com.au/george-nelson-bubble-lamp-ball-pendant-light-white-50cm-criss-cross https://www.golights.com.au/george-nelson-bubble-lamp-apple-50cm Of course the design depends on what is filling that void for example the shape and path of your staircase! Once you have some drawings or a photo feel free to send them over if you still need some more help! Good Luck with your build and search for the perfect pendants! You can always call us on 1300 798 220 for more help!

The gas heater intake (make up air) use a lot of air so the less restrictions the better. The suction is surprising! What you have suggested without using a door is way better. If you use a door with a grille it'll need to be pretty sizeable and will look a bit like a door in an office block..... It'll also perhaps suck dust and crap out of the cupboard space above if theres any gaps....

Thank you so much everyone for your great ideas, sorry for not getting back to you sooner, long weekend and my grandchildren staying over. I loved the idea of a statement pendant Cooper design, and the glass console, I get a bit confused with my style(lol) and I have to keep in mind the continuity as you have mentioned, so I don't have a mish mash of different things. Big reader I have had the console in the lounge there when I first bought it, it looked good but I needed it in my lounge.. I'll put a photo of the clock I think it's a bit old fashioned. Nik star the end wall looks really good and your right it draws the eye, there is certainly food for thought in all of your suggestions.