Samantha B I just completed my kitchen Reno in Perth. My pantry was also bricked up like yours. Literally doubled the space by getting rid of it but we found out after that the pantry was structural & we had to put an extra support beam in the roof instead ($800) so be careful of that! We completely moved the plumbing, gas & electrics & it only cost a few hundred! So don't be afraid to do that as long as u know decent priced tradies! We ended up doing nearly everything ourselves & went with a masters flat packed kitchen & sourced our own stone benchtops dirt cheap ($2500 installed for a 2m bench & a 1.5m island each with one waterfall edge.). Heres before & after pics.

Ahh the Christmas tree, I know exactly what you mean Pazz. Over the years, we've seen it all, there are many who have more lights than plasterboard on their ceiling and then on the opposite end of the spectrum 1 light per room. In the end, lighting is definitely a personal choice because there's a 3 fold effect that many don't often realise. 1. You need to be comfortable with the amount of lighting in your home. 2.You need to think of the initial cost, the more lights, the more it will cost in product (actual lights) and electrician fees 3. The running costs, even with energy saving lights, there is an increased cost with having so many lights on at one time. Good Luck, with the lighting plan Pazz, I'm keen to see how your new house turns out, you got some really great finishes going in by the looks of it from previous posts.

So we painted it black to match the other sides of the fence. It needs to be reinforced as its falling backwards but ok for now. I've bought some creeping Ivy to grown over it too and I'll get some boxwoods or similar to carve into spheres or balls.... Also founds some nice light teak / grey bench seats. If really like to do a few vertical gardens here but the fence won't hold it for now so this will have to do. Could be something we add to later. It'll take some time to even look remotely good but we're getting there. At least we have a plan! Thanks all for you suggestions!

I'd suggest framing it out and using it as a window seat. A carpenter could get that done in half a day. Anchor the frame to the wall, get a custom cushion made and fill it with some cushions and you have a beautiful space to read. Bonus is the minimal cost.