If you have length along the wall to house cabinetry, consider stepping out the joinery, so start with a 300mm deep bookshelf full height as a bridge between the new and old, and then place a deeper pantry etc after it. A bookshelf that can house small app.lances, recipe books, bowls or decorative items can work within the traditional fireplace, but also a modern kitchen fit out. Your joinery style can be modern and still include a traditional element like a bookshelf. I would then also build one on the other side for symmetry.

Bump

In removing so many internal walls I would suggest you get a professional to check the roof structure to see which walls are load bearing before getting too far down the track. If the walls that you are removing are from floor to ceiling then you should allow for new flooring, and a new ceiling so these elements don't look patched. Apart from these concenrns my only issue is the use of a cavity slider, they are not great in keeping the heat in or out, and can be draghty due to the air gap you need right around the door. I would suggest a pair of hinged, glazed, french doors will do a better job in controlling draughts (and noise), and also allow you to see through to the backyard even when the doors are closed. Make sure that you get your designer/draftsperson to draw all of your furniture into your plans at the correct scale so that you can see that it all fits, and works, and that there is enough circulation around. This is so crucial to get right in smaller homes. Best of luck with your renovation, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

haha!!!! Siri - you can have your Eiffel tower angel... give me the beach any day :) Nic - perhaps some driftwood, shells and a jar of sand might help bring the beach to you - just don't knock your sand flying or you'll literally be able to crank up your fireplace and lie down on your sand to sunbake lol.