I do like the idea of the hob in the island so you can be connected to the living area while cooking, but splatter can be a problem. Have you thought of connecting the island to the bench under the window, and putting the hob at that end of it? That way you could have a low splashback in front of the hob. It looks like you've got plenty of space to be creative with the shape of the bench here if, as I suspect, there are doors adjacent to this area. When I lived in Italy, I saw an apartment kitchen where the space was very limited, and they had a door to the balcony from the kitchen, so they had to very creative with the layout. The bench was a lovely sinuous shape, which tapered from the bar/eating area to a narrower end in front of the door. It was absolute genius. The sink and dishwasher could also move to this area if you have the budget to move the plumbing, keeping your cooking and clean-up area together, and the splashback would provide a bit of cover for dirty dishes. I like the idea of moving the cooking and cleaning zone away from the thoroughfare of the stairs. Alternatively, you could move the pantry into the alcove and put the sink where the pantry is currently. You could make the alcove area galley style, which would make that area feel more spacious. Am I right in thinking that outside the kitchen window is an outdoor dining/living area? Are you planning on changing the window so that it opens up more? A bar either inside or outside the window would provide a nice connection from the kitchen to the outside, especially if you move the hob to this area. You have so much space here that your options are pretty much endless. I suggest having a good play with cutouts of your appliances on a floor plan to see how you could make the space really sing.

After seeing your before/after photos in your [kitchen thread[(https://www.houzz.com.au/discussions/kitchen-reno-ideas-suggestions-please-dsvw-vd~3651370?n=11) I thought I'd bump this thread. I have a better idea of the whole space now. Have you had any more ideas of what to do? I think by cladding the whole surround and wall above could have big impact and modernise so it ties in with your new kitchen. Also give some balance as it sits alongside the glossy black bench. If you like the warm of timber, you could clad running the wood horizontally. This final photo is cataloged as a transitional look but same idea with cladding all the way up. ETA: That artwork would look great on a dark grey backdrop.

Hi Soshu, Megan from Bluethumb online art gallery here. I agree that you could open up the space by removing those boxy units above the TV. I would also think that because it's such a dark room, adding a mirror somewhere could help brighten up the space. I'd also suggest adding white or teal sheer curtains instead of the blockout blinds for a softer, brighter look. You've also got a great opportunity to add some artwork with that empty wall behind the couch there. Since you've already chosen an accent colour of a teal blue, why not find an artwork that matches with your colour scheme? Artwork will really help to personalise the space, especially an original piece that you love. At the moment, it does feel a little impersonal. I'd suggest going with a showstopping piece that will generate conversation the moment people spy it. Some suggestions from popular Australian artists are: This gorgeous print by Indigenous artist Bradley Kickett, who was a finalist in our art prize this year: https://bluethumb.com.au/bradley-kickett/Artwork/burlong-pool-165976 Another print by another finalist from our prize, Renata Waterfall: https://bluethumb.com.au/renata-waterfall/Artwork/and-everything-else-is-still A large resin piece by popular artist, Annette Spinks: https://bluethumb.com.au/annettespinks/Artwork/deeper-series-crevices-2 Some other suggestions from some of our most popular artists: https://bluethumb.com.au/vanessa-mae/Artwork/coral-garden-vanessa-mae https://bluethumb.com.au/sharonmonagleart-com/Artwork/she-breathes-indigo-into-an-empty-sky https://bluethumb.com.au/sharonmonagleart-com/Artwork/and-then-you-were-gone https://bluethumb.com.au/dinah-wakefield/Artwork/oceans-embrace-7 https://bluethumb.com.au/alorna-co/Artwork/azurite We also have some fine art photography from contemporary Australian photographers, which can certainly have a huge impact: https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/hugh-hamilton/artwork/swan-lake-1-hugh-hamilton https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/matty-smith/artwork/new-pennies https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/alex-frayne/artwork/breaking-good https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/damien-drew/artwork/shima_river-gunma-2012 https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/damoscope/artwork/misty-morning-2-damian-seagar https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/martine-perret/artwork/le-lagon-bleu https://bluethumb.com.au/photography/pennyp/artwork/thalassophile I hope this helps! Let me know if you'd like any more suggestions.

The problem is that we have no idea of the rest of your house , whether it is ultra-modern or classical or colourful or eclectic or . . . . . . . With the limited info , personally I'd go for a burgundy and ( narrower ) gold striped wallpaper , or possibly cream and bright sunshine yellow stripes , but then everyone is different . I wouldn't go with anything 'organic' looking , including grass or flax looks , fake timber or any wallpaper along those veins . The grid wall idea isn't a favourite either , but depending on ceiling height , how about doing the lower 1/2 to 2/3rds of the wall like that , then vertical striped wallpaper above that ? Breaks it and makes even more of a feature IMO .