Samantha B I just completed my kitchen Reno in Perth. My pantry was also bricked up like yours. Literally doubled the space by getting rid of it but we found out after that the pantry was structural & we had to put an extra support beam in the roof instead ($800) so be careful of that! We completely moved the plumbing, gas & electrics & it only cost a few hundred! So don't be afraid to do that as long as u know decent priced tradies! We ended up doing nearly everything ourselves & went with a masters flat packed kitchen & sourced our own stone benchtops dirt cheap ($2500 installed for a 2m bench & a 1.5m island each with one waterfall edge.). Heres before & after pics.

it's ok Oskuee, I still haven't really finished the lounge, really? this is a great website, I can refer back to comments and advice for future reference as well. I definitely want to find a nice light/s for over the table, I just don't know what will look good, I have been scouring houzz and a few other sites trying to find something that might suit and perhaps improvise with as well with a similar/replica? I still have a couple of pieces by the dining table I want to sell or swap? as I had my eye on a beautiful 2mtr long 1mtr high buffet, but for $3000+ (perfect dimensions and look) Which hides all the dishes and glasses and a built in hidden wine rack : ) I couldn't justify spending that much so have an empty space waiting for something to come along? I have even considered trying to build my own? but don't want it to look banged up either? hehehe

Yes, all the Houzzers have been extraordinarily helpful. I am sure in the end, it will be a beautiful room. With regards to the change of sofa style, I was unsure of my ability to keep the white leather clean - particularly the stitching. By finally going with the "Julio" it is slightly more comfy sofa than the "Ariel". It has a higher back and I feel the "granite" colour will give me less hassles. In reality, the "granite" colour has slight yellow/creme undertones which tie back better with the curtains but this doesn't really show up in pictures. Golly, I hope I am on the right track. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. Keep them coming please

You can buy the caboodle bamboo kitchen bench top from Bunnings wood section and cut it to any size you want. If you just wax it, it is quite rustic and would save you the cost of getting a benchtop made. It comes in two thicknesses and is 600mm deep. The piece that I bought was 2.4m long. Have a look at it, at least. Then if you have some other rustic pieces or even units with steel tops, it can tie the rest together. My vote is to keep the stove and get some rustic or industrial cup'd handles. A real farmhouse kitchen is a mix and match thing. My vote is for trying to keep the bench you bought as an island if you can. I would go for open shelves along the wall where the stove and fridge are and put the microwave on one of them. Maybe you could find some different tiles for behind the sink. I would rip those shiny ones off the wall and choose something that will fit in with your mix'n match rustic style, or just something quirky - even old wood. It all depends on how much money you want to spend and kitchens add up very quickly. If it functional and pleases your eye, then you are a winner. If the carcasses are still usable, it is much cheaper to just get new doors for them, when you can afford it. I wouldn't bother with window covering in the kitchen. I would just leave it for the light. Maybe a glass shelf across it with some herbs on it. It already sounds good to me.