White is a safe option! Some woodgrain gloss can look very smart! Go handle less and draws are always best option! Make top of bench just under window height ! Maximise ur storage! Maybe could have a recess shelf into wall give more depth but not real visible! No higher then windows don't wanna over crowd it!

We installed this gas log fire in our B & B which has been very well received. We wanted to provide a warm and cosy environment for our winter guests. The wooden shelf above is beautiful wood, not sure what type and there are two cupboards either side, one for DVD's games and CD's and the other houses the technology. The flue is on the outside wall behind the fire place. It is very efficient and effective. It warms the whole apartment including a separate bedroom and kitchen. I would highly recommend this type of heater which is thermostatically controlled and so easy for our guests to use with a remote control.

Hi Teresa, since you've only just moved in and are not sure, I would suggest wait and live with it until you have a clear directon on how the overall space functions, what your storage pressures are and what your over all style is likely to be. Putting time into a piece that you might remove would be frustrating. Removing a piece now that is functional and fitted is hasty. Budget how much you have to spend on the room and what the room needs. New cabinetry such as this replacement value is quite a few thousand dollars so consider the direction of the room first style wise, then imagine how that piece could be re-born. Once you've done that, if it ruins the flow remove it. The aesthetics can be enhance with a colur change in paint or lime wash but I think it will always be best in the look tha tit is sine the fireplace is built in but loving it with some restorative finish whether it's wax or varnish would give it a lift. It looks like it still works well and the fact that it has the cornice fitted at least has had some thought put into it. Good Luck

Hi I am really interested in this discussion for similar reasons. Currently our plans squeeze in a pantry under the stairs so 1.5 m X 1 m. Builder suggests we shrink ensuite from 3350 x 1650 to 2350 x1650 long so it becomes a proper walk in pantry 2m x1.5 m. I was concerned I will end up with two nonfunctional spaces. But it sounds like the pantry will work. What are everyone's opinion on a master ensuite size. It means I'll have a single basin vanity only 500 m wide