How much laundry do you do? For example, I have kids, so cupboards would need to be very accessible. But if you mostly do it on the weekends and yuo have somewhere for storing the dirty washing, then cupboard laundry sounds like a great use of space. What about noise? Will that be a problem with the open living space? Sometimes when the fridge hums, the dishwasher whirls and swishes and the washing machine spins, we have rouble hearing the to at night! Another option could be to stick it in the garage at the back wall, and place shelving all around. Stuff doesn't have to be perfect! And a spot of paint could make it bright!

Thanks again everyone. These are the best plans I have, still a little hard to read. https://www.dropbox.com/s/zlrfdddp702e45v/2nd%20floor.png?dl=0 Above are a few quick renders of the stair location/direction being changed, and a random woman to use for perspective! Thanks Oklouise! Siriuskey, is this (above) what you had in mind for the kitchen? Looks nice, not sure about cupboard space though? Laura really wanted a butlers pantry, but I don't think we have the space, but I was trying to have some sort of walk in pantry. And this was the last version I had designed before getting your suggestions on here: Not sure if this will work, but here is a link to the FloorPlanner project, if anyone wishes to tinker! https://plus.floorplanner.com/projects/53937748-our-houzz/viewer

moving the stair doesnt help the existing upstairs if your plan is to not change much. the living area would reduce from 3.5 to 2.5m width and would limit options unless you want to use this space as office/playroom. the existing door would have to be relocated to bed 1 and the green line is an existing beam which looks to be tight on the 12th stair down which is usually the minimum head height clearance.

as others have already said there are too many unknowns to be specific about costs but renovating is often more expensive than building new as you have to first pay to remove and then pay to restore and often need custom sized new work that's much more labour intensive and expensive BUT if the house is in a perfect location at a good price and you can modify without extraordinary changes my suggestions without removing any major walls include a new kitchen and only widening the doorway between kitchen and dining and improving the ens (with or without including the extra space at the side) but the small nib wall near the original dining room door implies that there has already been part of a wall removed and why didn't they remove the rest when this small projection restricts comfortable movement ...my plan has minimal demolition and extra walls and doors to separate rooms and zone, heat, noise and family activities BUT depending on your local climate the orientation is not ideal as the site plan suggests that the house is almost on the north boundary and this restricts sunlight and views in and out of the north facing windows (what's next door now or in the future if/when neighbours renovate?) space shown as meals is only big enough for an entry area and the old study faces south and west and could make it hot and/or cold and dark at the back of the house and restricts ideal connection to the garden.. and as usual the real estate plans are confusing and upstairs doesn't seem to match downstairs, the stairs probably infringe on the space in the retreat so i can't make realistic suggestions but there's is probably enough space to improve the bathroom and maybe steal space off the wiw for a separate toilet and maybe take better advantage of the northern aspect but all depends on accurate available space, aspect and budget and every house can be improved