Hi Bella, you have lot of deciding to do, would it be better for you not to have to add extra width and the cost of doing this?, if you could find a suitable solution without.

For me I think the laundry would be best moved to back up against the existing ground floor bathroom as there's already plumbing in that position, also remove the study upstairs, now the back end of your house is available as open plan kitchen dining living.

The kitchen placed along the right hand wall next to the new laundry as once again Plumbing already in the area, saves money.

Re table as against island bench is really your personal preference, except if you need the island for extra storage If you had a sit up to island perhaps a table next to the kitchen and then the living area next to the deck. Very exciting times, good luck

Hi Bella

The stair location near or next to bedroom 2 makes sense and we think it would be best to locate the bathroom and laundry near the stairs. This would provide a complete open space to the kitchen, living and dining area. Don't forget that at some point of the stairs, you will be able to get some head height clearance therefore either part of the laundry or bathroom could extend under the stairs. If your local council permits the extended width of the kitchen/living/dining area, and if your budget can accommodate it, it would be worth considering doing it.

And whilst resale may not be in the equation right now, buyers of a four bedroom residence would expect a decent size kitchen (along with a decent space to dine in). In our experience, island benches are also highly sort after.

All the best!

Hi Bella, looking forward to seeing your new floor plan,

Hope you can plan to keep your bathroom/laundry near the stairs as the space under the stairs apart from extra floor space could give you a chance to add a much needed good size window for natural light and ventilation.

Re extending the open plan kitchen/dinning/living area the attached photo is a great way to do this, but depends on your aspect. (this could also give good ventilation)

As D'cruz said I also prefer the island bench to a table,

A great way to add extra living space is to add an outdoor area, like your deck cheers