Neryl, like you I'm trying to decide should I replace my kitchen (total redesign) renovate (new bench, stove etc) or larger renovation (bench, doors, stove, etc). My dilemma with the Renos are there is always a little bit more to do; the stove won't fit into the existing space or the new sink is now in metric and won't fit and of course what about the taps??? As with your kitchen I have a breakfast bar that I'm thinking of removing (swinging back 90 deg to the wall running down from the sink, but what do I do then will the floor. The whole area would have to be done. As soon as you start one job there are four or five that will follow. So do I want to spend big dollars on a new kitchen, really I think that is the question. I would say to you don't pending anything at all until you have really thought through exactly what you want and what you can spend, don't through money away on a patch up that you will find in the long term unsatisfactory. About the design though, if you are renovating your house, what is behind that wall the stove is on and what space is there in front of the breakfast bar, where you stood to take the photo? Perhaps you could take a wall out and like me open up your space.. If you can put in a skylight for both light and aesthetics. But the only thing I would say though about the previous comments is unless you want to spend hours cleaning don't go for shelves and open displays unless you cook outside. I have a 'Chinese' kitchen and it tends to be very greasy but friends who have regular cooking and open shelves say they have to not just wipe the shelves over but clean all the display item really very often. I'm sorry all for having so much to say, I've never contributed before to something like this but I do really enjoy reading all the posts. Cheryl

As mentioned, possibly a darker pink or even a sage green for the rug. Here are a few ideas, including a mix of contemporary and traditional, which might work: [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/cambridge-residence-traditional-living-room-boston-phvw-vp~118386[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/cambridge-residence-traditional-living-room-boston-phvw-vp~118386) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/coastal-vacation-home-beach-style-living-room-philadelphia-phvw-vp~316467[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/coastal-vacation-home-beach-style-living-room-philadelphia-phvw-vp~316467) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/every-day-chic-transitional-living-room-raleigh-phvw-vp~5996763[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/every-day-chic-transitional-living-room-raleigh-phvw-vp~5996763) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/breakers-beach-house-beach-style-bedroom-san-francisco-phvw-vp~355987[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/breakers-beach-house-beach-style-bedroom-san-francisco-phvw-vp~355987) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/master-bedroom-contemporary-bedroom-new-york-phvw-vp~66459[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/master-bedroom-contemporary-bedroom-new-york-phvw-vp~66459) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/country-house-drawing-room-traditional-living-room-london-phvw-vp~11440596[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/country-house-drawing-room-traditional-living-room-london-phvw-vp~11440596) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/model-home-living-room-transitional-living-room-santa-barbara-phvw-vp~530813[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/model-home-living-room-transitional-living-room-santa-barbara-phvw-vp~530813) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/victorian-living-room-victorian-living-room-richmond-phvw-vp~655185[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/victorian-living-room-victorian-living-room-richmond-phvw-vp~655185) [https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/traditional-living-room-victorian-living-room-philadelphia-phvw-vp~7015800[(https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/traditional-living-room-victorian-living-room-philadelphia-phvw-vp~7015800) I would try to buy from a store which will let you take the rug home, see if it works with your décor and return it if it doesn't look right.

Hi there Nick, looking at your photos you look like a modern hamptons family which is lovely, do you live in a warm climate. I did like the photo you posted of the open plan living and think that you are on the right track with interior colours I have marked out how I would like the first floor, I have moved the kitchen to the end wall to line up with BBQ outdoor kitchen, plumbing for this would have easy access via the garage below. The white tiles look lovely and hard wearing for the entrance foyer and Rumpus room, the stairs in timber due to the amount of traffic even continuing in up stairs foyer kitchen dining living, Carpet in bedrooms and downstairs theater. Kitchen in white but possibly Shaker style white doors these are very popular. Using existing sliding exterior doors if possible from kitchen.Dining to verandah, I think this ceiling would be best kept white to help reflect light back indoors, the tiles appear to be in good order but you might consider changing these along with new upstairs flooring Some where for a laundry shute would be handy, actually a Dumb Waiter so you could move the laundry with ease both up and down! The roof painted a soft colour, grey/white or off white, the verandah railing could be the same colour or you could do glass. The builder had a very different style of house to what I think you are wanting. Your photo

Yes, .....the patio roof and enclosed patio on the balcony, plus those wonderful Corinthian style columns, or need to be removed. They date the house considerably. But, does the sun come directly into bedroom windows? Are there midges at night time? The previous owners installed this patio system for a reason. Do you need protection from sun? Then replace with a pergola or vergola, or even just big cantilevered umbrellas. You want to be able to enjoy that beautiful view comfortably.