I would remove the entire wall between kitchen and dining room only. I think if you remove the rumpus room wall, you are going to end up with a really long narrow space, which will be difficult to use. do you want a "separate room" (what about in the future-kids? play room,office, formal dining , etc? An alternative to completely opening up the rumpus room to the kitchen, would be to create openings on either side, and leave the wall in the middle section. 2 advantages-a solid space to place a piece of furniture, and create a zone, whilst still opening it up quite a bit. depending on what you intend to use the rumpus room area for- you might even consider moving that wall across, so it is centered between the windows-a bit more space on the kitchen side, and a cozy space on the rumpus room side - if its going to be a play room/office/small sitting area, it would end up being about 3.7*3.4, which is still a good size (just not enough for a dining room or pool table) And then completely remove the wall section that is between the living room and dining room Depending on whether you think heating/noise etc is a problem with it so open, you could add either a barn door, or double glass doors to the opening. DEFINITELY remove the arches- i would just square them straight of to the ceiling. and leave the openings..or add a barn door Paint all that brick white-you will be amazed how much lighter the house will be. consider a doorway from the garage into the kitchen-it must be a pain carting the shopping through the house. Also, your windows need some timber architraves on the inside. Have fun - its always so exciting starting a new reno (for me-into my tenth year on the one house-not so much anymore :/ )

You really need some expert design help here - particularly in relation to your load bearing walls and how to overcome this restriction. As you say, no sooner do you solve one problem but you run up against another. Talk to a qualified builder/renovator who can give you expert advice on how to make the most of your space. They are up to date on not only the latest products, but also the latest design ideas, and they know what can be moved, where, how and why. This doesn't sound like it's a simple fix and the last thing you need is a DIY disaster.

Hi siriuskey I apologise for not replying to you earlier but I have been reviewing your last plan over and over wanting to use the layout of the kitchen but concerned about the other changes. My main concern was the wiw/laundry area and the loss of a room, either the study or bed 4. But the idea gave me food for thought and I have been trying to work out a solution. Where there’s a will there’s a way! I can see exactly what you mean about having the Butler’s Pantry in front of the window which was a major concern of mine even though I thought the servery was a really good idea. Thank-you for taking the time to point this out …and in such depth which would’ve been very time consuming for you! I must admit it was a surprise to see the kitchen placement in your last layout. I would never ever have thought about doing that but loved the idea! I have tweaked the plans a little by simplifying some of the changes and adding a few of my original ideas and I think I have come up with a solution. I will be very interested on your thoughts! I placed the existing furniture (to size) into each of the rooms to see how it works with the new layout. Oh… and I love your suggestion about being able use the dining/family rooms as either! I have also left the wall between the family room and lounge to see how it works before removing it completely but opened it up with double doors allowing entry from the front door to the main area...and a view of the fireplace is always welcoming. It’s a great idea for a toilet and shower to service the pool area under the deck downstairs…I think that would work as there’s no limestone there (and no we’re not in SA) but I’II look at that once I get organised with these plans! Thank-you again for your time and help…your feedback on my ‘tweaking’ would be greatly appreciated!

Depending on money, I would move the kitchen to the rumpus room, make it L-shape, along back wall & laundry wall, There should be space for a decent sized island bench running north-south. The west wall could be windows, bi-folds, sliding doors etc. A pergola/undercover area would help with the sun & could be opened to kitchen/family room. I would also make the bar a walk-in linen cupboard.