what a beautiful house, could you look at using sliding glass doors/louvered panels etc on the alfresco area to close it off during winter, it is Melbourne, this would enable you to use this space all year and would enlarge your space for entertaining, might have to re think doors though. I would have a door/s off the kitchen and not windows Tiled step over to shower needs to be removed to make the floor all the same level. The high ceilings are a great advantage adding to a feeling of space. The large dark sideboard in the entrance makes that space look smaller, so you will be able to improve on that Absolutely love the flooring We have friends who had one dining table and chairs which they moved between the indoor dining and the alfresco area, depends how formal you want to be, this allowed for more indoor space when needed. Bear Gully Coastal Cottages Victoria. Remembering parties we have had in an open plan design, everyone ends up hanging out around the kitchen, if you had an open fire it would be there. Perhaps move the study upstairs As the following idea, knowing that there are load bearing issues to address

Let's keep it nice, I don't think EthanWes is as precious as you may think and it is a forum for personal opinions after all. I also thought the comeback was unnecessarily aggressive & unwarranted. I would keep whatever you put there quite subtle and simple in colour so it doesn't draw the eye. You've got a nice retro/scandi feel from the look of it, see it as another way to carry this through?! So some ideas: - a small succulent in a low 1-2" pot, possibly including a trailing one such as Silver Falls (though don't let it get too out of hand!), will help make it look less compartmenty. Or even Ikea http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/40349079/ - a couple of neutral coloured cookbooks stacked horizontally. - a nice low serving dish in a soft grey - but make it one you will actually use, not just for aesthetics! ; D I have a similar one to this https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/kitchen-and-dining/serving/60209668/Tiro-Salad-Bowl.html https://www.countryroad.com.au/shop/home/kitchen-and-dining/serving/60203911-9084/Tapas-Salad-Bowl.html and use it a lot. - or, if you like your tech, it could be a great place for a small wireless speaker. Expensive example, but something like the Bose Soundlink Mini If you're looking for more ideas, 'open shelving' should provide lots though you are constrained with the very low height of the shelves.

Hi Northstar Lovely table you have chosen Remember there needs to be at least 1m for chairs to be moved out from the table Also food placed in the centre has to be reachable!! so don't go too wide If you think the table is out of proportion, a rug underneath can give the illusion you want enjoy - will you have the table for Christmas?

I was about to say all our handles are the same size, but they’re not. They’re all proportional to the drawer width. A combo of 165 on 440, 230 on 590 & 760, and 355 on 960. I remember I probably drove the cabinetmakers nuts cos I couldn’t make up my mind about what, to them, may have been a such minor issue! Handles! I feel for you/know what it’s like. :-)