Hi Sabi, You have a great light kitchen with lots of window, so be wary of darkening the effect too much if you like the current feel. As all your existing storage is concealed behind cupboard doors, to add an extra dimension to the space, you could consider some open storage for display of all your 'nice' pieces. Your kitchen looks to be a traditional style, so it would be easy to find a tall (or even a bench height unit to give you more space) that fits in with your scheme. See the image I have attached below. Misshayley's suggestion of a glass splash back would work well, just remember that the colour of the year (Masala) may be "on trend" now, but designers rarely advise you go with on trend items that are expensive to replace. You could then select a few accessories to display in the kitchen area that carry that colour through the space. Perhaps a feature wall nearby painted in this, as it is less costly to repaint if you tire of it. Add some greenery to the room for a fresh look & great contrast with the Masala. Glass splash backs are great if you want to avoid the work of having to keep tile grout clean. regards, Lisa Elliott

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So many ways of approaching these projects, but also yes you will be somewhat constrained by the limitations/issues/impacts resulting from going up. I always try and absolutely maximise the opportunity in these small space scenarios. I did a very similar project in Collingwood a few years ago, on a smaller block, one boundary dimension was under 4m (!), and we managed to achieve 3 and 1/2 bedrooms (one being a study/mezzanine/guest) so maximising options/function and ultimately value. the key to it is not wasting a single square inch and it comes down to deftly managing the planning, understanding exactly how you want use the spaces, maximising zoning and minimising any wasted "passage only" planning. I'd be getting the kitchen set-up exploiting the length rather than say approaching it from the back and squeezing it's proportion - plenty of planning tricks possible here.........also without understanding your particular preferences as suggested above you may want to consider consider the laundry/pantry combo as it can work well, but some of those things are ultimately personal....I could go on and on with planning suggestions for certain details but knowing these projects there's a fair bit involved here in order to achieve a comprehensively considered front to back, internal/external solution/resolution....... to best protect and maximise your investment (which for this will be significant, whatever particular version/option/layout) my advice is to seek professional design advice/process. It's (presumably inner) Melbourne, most likely a heritage scenario and ultimately it will involve a delicate balance between your budget, your particular requirements/priorities and negotiating the natural constraints involved here (physical/council/code).....and with full respect to the general concept you've presented (in my opinion) this one involves proper assessment of your conditions and clarification of/working through your particular goals before getting into fine detail resolution (which is resolved appropriately in due course) first things first, what is your budget and what are you specific (prioritised) requirements......that's the critical and fundamental information......I always endeavour to comprehensively understand how a client wishes to live (and also the particular context) and practically the budget limitation before providing specific/accurate advice one way or another.......These are exciting projects and it's a great opportunity for you (& assume family?!) - best of luck with it!! Hope this helps in getting your thinking focused appropriately at this critical early stage :)

Here is the upstairs. Mainly the fact that it needs north facing aspect opened up to the main part of the house to allow for light, cross ventilation and heat in winter. Basically need the same rooms (including a study/guest bedroom) but in a better working layout. Love the fire place and want to keep that. Dislike you can hear everything from upstairs hence why we are moving bathroom to the side bit.