The wood is beautiful but it is pretty dominant in the scheme. The photo is very small so it's not possible to see your furnishings in any detail. However, I would recommend adding more colour and pattern--a large area rug, a coloured sofa with accent cushions, maybe a drapery valance... By adding important pieces with lots of character you'll have a balance between the wood features and the furnishings.

No, I'm sorry, but it doesn't work for me at all. That unrelieved expanse of shiny white is quite disorienting. You don't quite know where the light is coming from. But the colour isn't the main problem here. Although it isn't pretty, the "before" kitchen actually has a lot going for it. The new kitchen has the benches all at the same height, which is a problem because different kitchen tasks are most comfortable at different heights. The surface that houses your sink needs to be relatively high so that when you're using the sink you don't have to bend your back. That's uncomfortable! Conversely, a cutting surface is better if it's relatively low, because that way you can control the knife better. It's a safety thing. The new kitchen has the cooktop and the sink under wall-mounted cupboards. You're absolutely sure the extractor fan whisks all the steam and particulates out of there? Most don't, you know. And with the cupboards at that height, if you're standing close enough to cook or wash up can you see to the back of the bench? No, it's not you, it's the design. Look at the old kitchen. It has surfaces at a variety of heights, and although the sink is under a cupboard you can stir the sauce on the stove without bumping your head, I think. I could be totally wrong about this. The featured kitchen might be a joy to work in. I do think, though, that this does not look like a kitchen designed by a cook.

To respect the privacy of the home owner (who has been very generous in allowing us to share these images) we cannot reveal the cost. However if you would like to learn more about the typical cost of a home extension, visit this http://www.amerex.com.au/home-addition/ Alternatively, we have written an article about House Extensions and Home Renovation costs that you may find worth a read: http://www.amerex.com.au/blog/house-extension-costs/

my suggestions keeps a small separate laundry with stacked washer dryer plus a bigger storage space for vacuum, ironing board etc adds a handbasin to the toilet and, using a round shower and curved back to wall bath allows space for a generous vanity ... the new kitchen has a pantry, stacked wall oven and microwave, double sink, dw and space for a 600 - 750 cooktop with floor space for a free standing central chopping block island ... the new location for the dining room allows for a window to the garden and sliding glass doors opening to a deck facing north to warm up the new dining room and kitchen ... there's a new window in the living room and the old back door is replaced with a window and i've added doors across the hallways to zone heating ...with careful choice of standard sized fixtures and fittings your budget should be ok but removing walls will be a big cost but well worth while for such great improvements to your home