Hi I am really interested in this discussion for similar reasons. Currently our plans squeeze in a pantry under the stairs so 1.5 m X 1 m. Builder suggests we shrink ensuite from 3350 x 1650 to 2350 x1650 long so it becomes a proper walk in pantry 2m x1.5 m. I was concerned I will end up with two nonfunctional spaces. But it sounds like the pantry will work. What are everyone's opinion on a master ensuite size. It means I'll have a single basin vanity only 500 m wide

Hi We had the same decisions but in a new build We went with a floating hearth and mantlepiece between the 2, as I think they add to the fireplace feel, even if it is gas. I wanted non symmetrical so an art work or ceramic will go on the other side (not shown in pics) it doesn’t have the cupboard The hearth is the same tiles as the outside paving The other way for ours would be to have made the plaster to resemble an old fashioned chimney great & painted that. They issue we have is the fireplace has been supplied without a part so not yet complete Best wishes for your decisions

Could you give us a bit more info please, re does the apartment have a dedicated dining area or is there a table in the kitchen? Does the sink cupboard house a water heater or is that somewhere else in the kitchen/apartment? Fuse box in cupboard? will you be keeping the splashback? The kitchen in an apartment I renovated and lived in was only 1.95 wide but a little longer than yours, and set in an L shape. It had no dishwasher and that was fine. It had ample cabinetry space and also room for a small drop down table which served as an extra bench space, and a dining table. I would not recommend a U shape for this size. It cuts off your space and makes it very poky. You could make the floor space feel and appear larger by removing the lower cupboards along the right hand side and putting a drop down bench table there instead, or floating bench so there is nothing on the floor there. With narrow shelves above for storage or keep that wall without anything, unless you can put built niched shelves built into the wall. What is currently on that right wall, it's hard to tell from the photo- is there a built in cabinet or servery window? I would recommend a one and a 1/4 bowl sink with a draining board on the right side. Run an L shaped bench and lower cabinets under the window and left hand wall in standard size. Upper cabinets along the left with a built in fridge space that has a cabinet above the fridge. I'd use white cabinets personally, keeping the colour scheme light. Matching colour for splash back and cabinets. Here's a picture of a wall mounted table..

Galina, Really think hard about access issues to your sink and washing machine behind sliding doors. If you have two sliding doors at 800mm wide, then the middle of the sliding door frame will have to be calculated that you have the sink behind one door and the washing machine behind the other door. Nothing worse than having your sliding door stopping right in the middle of your washing machine. Measure the spaces with the correct width for your appliances, and install without them being obstructed by the sliding door. Another alternative is to have hinged retractable cupboard doors, or pocket doors. These open like normal doors but then slide back out of the way into their little framed pocket. This will then not obstruct any part of your laundry space. And not impede into your dining room when open.