Hi Nadia What a fabulous space you've got to work with! For your dining table, something like this might work for you: It is modern with simple lines, and ties back to the glossy white cabinetry and kitchen bench tops you've got. The stainless steel will also echo the silver couch you've got in the TV area. I'd like to see some colour drawn through to tie your 4 areas (TV/media, kitchen, dining, kids/rumpus) together. The pantone color of the year is "Marsala" (http://www.pantone.com/pages/index.aspx?pg=21163) which would actually work quite nicely with the decor you've already got. Try finding some throw rugs, cushions and and floor rugs that feature that color, but make sure they're relieved by white, cream and/or silver otherwise they'll look too drab against your grey couch. You can also pick up another complementary color or two for occasional spots of additional color, particularly in the kids' area. To dress your couches in the kids' area to fit the rest of your decor and make it more harmonious, you could get relatively cheap, washable covers in a grey, marsala or even cream if the fabric is stain resistant. Please let me know if we can offer some more in-depth advice and if you're interested in us completing some mood boards that you could use to DIY, or (depending on your area) if you'd like a full consultation :) Best wishes, Natalie

I would build a sleek new TV cabinet to match your new kitchen cabinetwork along the full length of the wall under the air conditioner, which will visualy extend the space and make the kitchen and living area seem more integrated. Move the couch to the other side of the room, and have it about one metre off the study wall so that you can walk between the back of the couch and the study wall, which becomes a circulation space. If you have room add an open sided bookcase/room divider opposite the front door to give more definition to the entry and more seperation to the living area. Add a couple of pedestal based armchairs in the space between the new TV cabinetwork and couch, which can be moved and rotated around easily, with a large rug to anchor the living area. Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Anyway, back to the question. I think it is a wonderful idea, and example photo looks good. I would not do a banquet seating, because this restricts you on your configuration for large table gatherings. If you have large seated gatherings you can bring your table into the lounge area. I would also consult a structural engineer, just to check that the kitchen wall can be removed. You could maybe extend a 400mm deep bench for storage the full length of room. This could also be a servery for large groups, leaving the new island free for prep. For privacy a screen parallel with the front door, would fix that issue. Have fun. You have a wonderful home.

Agree with Kate. Walls are useful things. Do you use the sliding door out to the patio? Could this be bricked up, and the whole wall be dedicated to storage, fridge and oven. Plus an island for storage. Keeping sink in situ, due to cost of plumbing. Reduce the window size and install overhead cupboards either side. I would also install a window on the north side wall of lounge.