Personally, I'd prefer a WIR as opposed to a large "wall" of cupboards. I like the ability to open a single door and see all my clothes, rather than opening and closing multiple doors for various bits and pieces (e.g. pants in one cupboard, shirts in another). I think the WIR would be cheaper as nice cabinetry for the second option could be expensive. And I think the WIR would be better for resale value. Also, it's just a personal opinion, but the example photo reminds me of a gym locker room. A nice gym locker room, but that's the impression I have from all the cupboards with the bench in the "middle".

I have been planing my new butler's pantry for a while and here are some of my favourites. My space is 2.8m x 1.5m (L-shaped). I am having 450mm wide bench with open shelving top and bottom on the long side (maybe one row of open drawers like in first photo), 650mm wide bench at the end with sink and cupboard below. I also have a small alcove on the left which will be used as a broom closet (easy access for spills). In your case I would run the bench and overhead cupboards from the window, along the right hand wall and back around to the door. You could then have a study desk under the window with the natural light. You may also have room to put a fold down ironing board cupboard all alternatively put in a pull out ironing board in the bench that returns near the door. Good luck!

PET PEEVE: INDOOR BAREFOOTERS NEWSFLASH: It is a plainly observable though controversial fact, to me at least, that very few people keep their indoor floors pristine enough for barefoot traffic. However, that does not seem to stop the oh-so-carefree, INDOOR BAREFOOTERS from taking their grubby, 'floor-feet' on little excursions upon coffee tables, chairs, couches and beds, etc. YUCK! Imagine seating yourself upon someone's couch and making the mistake of placing your hand beside you ON the couch, or forward upon the coffee table, only to feel an icky graininess...or stickiness? So, then you're stuck with continuous hand-washing throughout your visit because THEY could not be bothered to keep their 'floor-feet' off anything....their home being their slovenly castle and all. The YUCK factor and the politics which invariably follow my well-meaning interventions, (I'm an idealist), makes me an irritable, reluctant guest. Which ironically, never seems to stave off the invitations (sigh)! But, it also makes me a tyrannical host: "feet off my settee, Jerri! Not on my mid-century coffee table! No! Your white socks are no longer white, Jade! Aaargh!" WORSE YET, these oblivious INDOOR BAREFOOTERS tend to then touch and scratch their grubby 'floor-feet' while chatting, and touching their faces, fixing a meal or eating something...OR, shaking my hand. Oh, the humani-...'hygienity!' I feel ill!!! Yes, yes, I know that I'm whining AND yes, I know that there are worse things in the world: children suffering in Africa etc., but now that you mention it, even THEY tend to wash their feet BEFORE placing them on furniture! Maybe because they value the little they have. I know this from firsthand experience!! SIMPLE SOLUTION: Indoor shoes! Outdoor Shoes! And, when you place your feet upon anything slip OFF your shoes to reveal your lovely clean feet, which will appreciate the pristine lack of graininess from your last considerate visit. Anklet and pedicure but...floor-feet!!

why can't you have both? flexible living is much better for resale and a small study or nursery with access to the master through the ensuite or a generous walk in dressing room furnished with dismantle-able DIY wire shelves and hanging storage Keep the hall door to the study locked (add a towel bolt on the inside) and disguised from outside with a gorgeous big wall hanging, curtain or painting, good luck