I definitely agree that timber/sea grass/ rattan stools would go well & add some warmth! I honestly don't know about the lights though. I think if it was me I'd stick with stainless & minimal modern for the pendant lighting as that would suit the rest of the kitchen. Then just use other accessories like the stools & a wooden fruit bowl or something to add the warmth.

Love the choice of kitchen - shaker style! I have that style myself and I love it. An interior designer definitely will be able to help you with design and configuration, colour scheme etc. Just letting you know, we had to put 5 structural beams in our ceiling for support and the cost blew us away, it is a very expensive exercise. You'll need an engineer to draw these up. Your draftsman will know of an engineer. Also, as a rule you have to allow for budget blowout. Everyone who has ever done a renovation will tell you. Once you start on the journey, you're emotionally involved and you want it all to be right, and you always add on more changes as you go along. It might be worth pricing things from your kitchen to floorboards to fixtures and fittings, ovens, fridges, lighting choices etc and then draw up your own costings. Builders generally don't do costings, they allow a budget for certain things, like $5 a handle, but then if you choose a $7 handle, then you get hit with a bill at the end of the job with all the extra costs. Make sure you know what the builder has allowed for when it comes to the kitchen, fixtures and fittings etc. I also agree with the others, the oven is too tight in that spot. I would swap that with the sink and put the sink in the island. Hope this is helpful. Good luck with it all, it's very exciting!

Hi Kathrynmc1 sorry it has taken me a couple of days to reply. My kitchen cabinetry measures 2.9m x 4m the island is 2,9m x 950. It all works a treat I enjoy easy access to my laundry which has heaps draws and above bench cabinetry, this is a great place to keep my party platters & bowls ect. I left space for the fridge so as it was in close to the kitchen door it’s perfect. Space in my kitchen was paramount to my design. I have miele under bench side by side washer & dryer. Miele dryers have a condensation tank to trap the moisture.. so moisture in the laundry is never a problem. They are well worth the added expense.

Hi Kelvin, Beams like yours can work well with this type of Traditional Style Kitchen, such examples are these in a Hamptons Style / Shaker Style kitchens. If you like something with a less Traditional look, and you may like to consider your overall home's style and design; then you could also consider using a Scandinavian Style kitchen, which again will work in well with your natural timber beams. Best of luck with your renovation; enjoy the process. Regards Malcolm