Hi ASVInteriors, I think you forgot to attach a link to the Ikea chairs (would love to see which ones you meant :) The only worry I have with moving the sofa closer to BR2 wall is that it might block the flow from the entrance through to the large-ish hallway (where it has tall bookcases domintaing one wall and an Ikea 4x2 Expedit uni on the other wall) into the living room (see the plan). But maybe it would work? I should try to move it around a bit. At the moment eh sofa is moved onto the 344cm wall temporarily, with the coffee table in front it. Not sure if it shows up in the pictures well but we have quite a large 6 seaters dining table in the kitchen, which is placed fairly close to the carpet area. I would say that the distance between the back of the closest chair (tucked in, not when pulled out), on one end of the table, to the edge of the carpet area is only 20cm. By moving the sofa closer to the BR2 wall, and with the diving wall between kitchen and hallway being there, it may close the flow? Hmmm...I am not a designer so sometimes I can't visualise it first, maybe I should try to move it around a bit. I did try to move the sofa closer to the BR2 wall and felt a bit claustrophobic of how little space (on carpet area) is left at the back of the sofa. Definitely have to think seriously about getting a large ottoman :)

Hi B, I used to live in a "tall and skinny" and the challenges were plentiful, but it was fun to decorate. Check out my artwork for ideas on your walls. Large art can help you visually separate your spaces without having anything on the floor taking up space. I have many originals, and hundreds of configurations of canvas prints that I can print to the size you choose - some of them very large. I ship outside of US on rolled canvas in a tube to manage the cost of shipping. http://www.etsy.com/shop/katshoa Enjoy decorating!

Looking at the design suggested above I have a couple of concerns with the kitchen and bathroom. Both look cramped. I suggest removing the separate shower in the bathroom and moving up the vanity and toilet. A shower over the bath is not ideal, but will give you more space, which I suspect may be essential in a bathroom with no windows. I would also suggest a skylight or solar tube to bring in natural light. This could change the whole feel of the room. With regards to the kitchen, I would lose the end cabinets as they will be awkward to use and I firmly believe that corner cabinets are a blight in any kitchen. A galley kitchen would be easier to use. Also, maybe move the sink and dishwasher to the other wall and reduce the depth of the bench along the wall with the family room, to give more space between the cabinetry. I know this will leave you with less cabinet space in the kitchen, but if you keep benchtop to a minimum on the wall with the stove and sink, you may be able to fit in enough wall cabinets to compensate, especially as you will be taking them to the end wall. Also, a nice buffet/hutch in the new dining space could provide overflow space for little used items as well as crockery and cutlery. I would suggest drawers below bench height instead of cabinets. They are much easier to access and hold more than cabinets.

Have you considered taking away the cavity door beside the stairs and open a section of the wall opposite the stairs to create a 2 way open ended shelving with some down light for displaying purposes? A series of full height vertical blade screening beside the shelving can then help add visual depth in the living room and still define the living room. It will also help frame the tv cabinetry with the existing nib wall on the other side. You will have minimal issues with reducing structural integrity of a potential load bearing wall. The existing fireplace is too nice to remove or make alterations to as it nicely divides dining with the living room.