Well I think my husband mainly wants to hide the chocolate stash away from me as where I would use it to store vases and everything else that you usually keep in the top of the pantry(you only get out once or twice a year). He does have a point but I am worried about boxing ourselves in - no room for growth. He is definitely not itching for his next project (we have been working weekend, after weekend on this house - decking, paving, etc) I worry about the lack of storage. Mainly because I really just like to finish a room and move on. Because I use this space every day its annoying me with how uncompleted it feels to me. I do think it needs something to finish it off and look complete. But I'm glad you like it though Madeline :) I have been researching with what people have suggested and the main trouble I foresee having is actually getting the right product delivered and available. Most don't ship to where I am (I live in a small coastal city) and its about 5hrs drive from the only Ikea in the state or I will have to wait 8 weeks for delivery from over east. So I really have to plan it right. I am reading the reviews on open shelving... well lets just say that is interesting. Thanks again!

Do you need a shelf or just think a shelf would look good?? With your heringbone subway tile pattern, very interesting actually, you've really ruled yourself out of putting in a shelf and not interupting the tiles to such a degree that it would most definitely detract rather than enhance the wall, so I agree with myperfectadvice, leave it as it is, as it's a beautiful design and kitchen from the little I can see and the pendant light is stunning. BUT, If you are desperate for a shelf and your kitchen is black/white then I'd go metal and 50mm thick and if you have timber doors and or floors, then I'd go timber for sure, again 50mm thick. I can't see the cupboard doors but I can see a timber knife block on display, so I'm guessing you have timber??? Good luck. Cheers, Barbara

Pull the sofa sofa forward to float perpendicular to and a 18" or so way from the wall with the art. Use the upholstered footstool with the chair and pull them forward too. Put the corded gear in the shelves and eliminate that metal shelf/cart and the coffee table. The sofa appears to be a lounger, so you really can't use a coffee table with it. You might buy a couple of skinny "C" side tables to use at each end of it for putting down drinks, etc. If budget allows I would permanently close off the hall access by the blue wall. I'd continue the blue paint throughout the room. It adds a lot, works with the brown sofa, and you seem to have natural stopping points so you don't have to take it into the kitchen .

When our building company architect had drawn up the plans and we'd gone on to the next stage of "add-ons", we requested a niche in the tiled shower area for shampoos etc, but were told it can't be done due to water-tight issues. Then, during the walk-through before signing off, we mentioned this to the building supervisor, and he was surprised about our request of a shelf being declined, and said that we should've asked them before they tiled. But, since we'd already made quite a few changes to the standard plan, we didn't want to cause any aggro. Now we have one of those metal extendable corner shelves. So, it pays to get a second opinion.