I like it turned that way & yes I can see you like colour too! Nice! I'm confused about about the old dining room space, is it behind the shelves still? Is this using your 8 seater which I thought you wanted to be separate? This way though is a very practical use of space especially if you have room to move it to the right when required. You may want to consider whether the microwave is better in the kitchen triangle either under the island bench (bending down to use) or beside fridge above bench. Another way is to build up one end of the island to house it there just for the safe handling of hot dishes near to a serving bench.

Hey Dounia The colour and the way it has been painted is very much what we saw in the late 90's and early 2000's when we all went through the textured paint feature wall craze. But, saying that Paint and design technology have come a long way since then and I would encourage you not to give up on the copper idea and use a modern approach and product. Dulux have recently added their new range of Design Effects, Here's the copper and concrete look. There's also other options available at www.dulux.com.au. You can email them for a copy of their brochure or they are readily available at Bunnings in the paint section. Thanks Paul

I'd start with the basics . The fences , which seem to enclose 3 sides , let the place down . I'd go with 4 or 5 10 litre pails of fence stain , in charcoal/black -- I dislike Brown ( too 70's ) but I don't think it would suit anyway . Then some colour , and 1 focal piece . I'm in NZ , so not sure plants to recommend , but maybe a palm ( or two or three of differing heights ) as your focal point , and some colourful semi-tropical plants . The existing garden along the fence probably stain the low wall in the same charcoal black , to tie in with the fence , but add a lot of light / white pebbles , shells and similar -- any coloured plants or flowers will be highlighted . Then , depending on budget , build in a barbeque , with paving . off the covered area , and add a sail shade -- set up so it isn't over the barbeque area , and use a brighter colour canvas -- that yellow 'box' that is in the 3rd picture of yours stands out -- a sail in that colour , or mid orange or red , a reasonably vibrant green or blue , or even a neutral grey , will add colour but also distract the eye from the rectangular shape of your house . From there -- do what you like / can afford . The sky is the limit -- playground , pool , spa , water feature , sculpture -- wherever your taste takes you .

I took into consideration your new Fridge pantry alcove when I designed your kitchen to get you the max island and still being well placed within the kitchen. If the island isn't attached to the fridge wall you would need to leave a 1m space between them which would reduce the 3m Island as I have shown, the dotted wall shows the length of your kitchen, and how the island fits into that space, you could extend the island further into the dining if you wanted, I can redraw that for you. As I said with both of your plans drawn differently Both OKL and myself had a differnt result