On first impression It seems the design is inherently working against your desire to have the 2 spaces to "feel separate"; from the screenshot it looks like the kitchen bench design (same modules, colour etc) and the open shelving do not help by making the splash back of the 2 spaces "continuous". Rather than thinking just about different materials and colours - perhaps rearrange the storage/cupboard space to create more visual separation? For example: having some full height cabinets against that dividing wall and have the outdoor kitchen a different design altogether?

I have been in kitchen design for 16 years and associated with a kitchen company that has been in business for around 25 years. You should not have doors any wider than 300mm for a bi-fold as the combined weight for the 2 doors is too much for the hinges and after time the door will sag and be difficult to open/close Bi-fold doors are not the best solution for corners anyway and there are better options. There are plenty of kitchen companies in all areas who offer a design service. this way you will have the services of an expert ,often for free who can visit the space and give a qualified assessment of the best solution/solutions and an idea of what it all will cost and involve. regards Paul

Hi Erin-hem, It maybe too late for changes if you have seen your kitchen designer but I would like to through you a couple of ideas for consideration. In my opinion, the sink area is always the messiest area of the kitchen. Why don't you put that on your new extended outside wall and even include a window for extra light if possible. Put the dishwasher on the left end of that pop out too so it doesn't create an unusable corner on the right side. Then build a 1200mm long wall, 600mm deep into the dining space so you can have a return unit from beside the dishwasher that connects with the island bench. This changes it from a true island bench but gives you the untidy part of the kitchen hidden but not closed off. The wall doesn't need to be full height but needs to be higher than the bench. It can be a joinery item rather than a builders item to match the joinery finishes. Behind the 1200 long wall/screen can be all your tea, coffee etc and your appliances on the bench so usable all the time but not seen from the dining and living area. It also hides the sink from view from the living area. Below bench level in this 1200 section you could actually have drawers for cutlery and crockery that go two way so you can load them from the dishwasher and take them out from the dining room side to lay the table. No need for a pantry with such a long back bench which could have loads of drawers as suggested by someone else. Keep the fridge nearest the stairs so everyone can access it and not come right into the kitchen. If you are a real foodie and love cooking for friends and family, put the hobb on the now free island side. If not, leave it where it is and the 'island bench' is now just a layout and work area and sit at bench. If you have the space, make the gap between the stairs and the bench ample. Say 1300mm wide at least. Cheers, Christine.

Sketch the room with measurements and post here. Pics are good also. You’ll get some great ideas.