Hi there, Many thanks for your positive comment. As a rule leave at least 1 meter between the kitchen island and the rest of the kitchen. If I have space I like to leave 1.2m/1.4m and at a push I will reduce this to 0.9m. Hope this helps.

it's ok Oskuee, I still haven't really finished the lounge, really? this is a great website, I can refer back to comments and advice for future reference as well. I definitely want to find a nice light/s for over the table, I just don't know what will look good, I have been scouring houzz and a few other sites trying to find something that might suit and perhaps improvise with as well with a similar/replica? I still have a couple of pieces by the dining table I want to sell or swap? as I had my eye on a beautiful 2mtr long 1mtr high buffet, but for $3000+ (perfect dimensions and look) Which hides all the dishes and glasses and a built in hidden wine rack : ) I couldn't justify spending that much so have an empty space waiting for something to come along? I have even considered trying to build my own? but don't want it to look banged up either? hehehe

When I started doing reno's, that was one of the first things I wanted to replace but the cheapest quote I could find was a touch under $3000 and that was from some random guy from Gumtree that I could barely understand. Everyone else looked upwards of $4000 and that's just for installing the new gyprock ceiling. I had plenty of other things that I needed to do the place, so I quickly ruled that one out. But now after living there, I don't even see the vermiculite anymore. I'll just try and work around it. My thoughts now are to... 1) Remove the ceiling fan. Get a pendant light (either 2, 3 or 4 from my very first photo). Keep the bar light. 2) Replace the existing fan with something more modern. Replace the oyster light with an understated ceiling mount fixture, or just keep the oyster.

Some of the Laura Ashley ceiling pendants/chandeliers could work. http://www.laura-ashley.com.au/homewares/category/lighting/ceiling-pendants.html?___SID=U