elzermank Thanks for your help :) Unfortunately we cant change the plumbing which runs through that pass through area (half wall) - so the door pretty much has to stay there .... otherwise we'd love that idea - the more storage the better I say! :) It's definitely a cramped room - funny for how much use it gets ..... Yes the dining room comes off the kitchen - it has the exact same window in it as well so does get some light through - the surrounding gardens do block a bit however. The floor is Stone I quite like it but Hubby wants it to be wooden to flow with the rest of the house - at this stage just the bedrooms will be carpet, the bathroom tiled and everything else Bamboo Floorboards. Thanks so much though :)

If moving plumbing, etc is too much for your budget, why don't you leave existing kitchen where it is, open up the wall to the hallway and that bedroom that faces into the pool area. Close off a wall near the entrance/formal living room to replace the bedroom. Advantages are a) not moving expensive kitchen wiring, plumbing etc. Kitchen window still looks out into entrance to see comings and goings AND back to pool for informal living (maybe casual dining at an island seating area, casual sitting for pool). b) the existing dining, living room is a separate space (great when your kids are older to have two living options for noise isolation - adults in one, kids in the other). Both sets of rooms open off the entrance way, and that new bedroom can be the one you use as home office or guest (leaving other bedrooms for family).

Thanks for the ideas guys. I have attached the floor plan showing where structural support is required and clearer dimensions (sorry about that). My preference was to have the kitchen where Oklouise has positioned it as it flows great to the entertaining area. I also love the idea of a butlers pantry however this would mean losing a room which has lovely sunshine from NE. We were also concerned about the distance to kitchen from front door/ garage entry and making the lounge room the thoroughfare. We also couldn’t fit a decent sized island in this space, which is a must for us if it contains the sink. We really love the servery idea, but not sure if blocking the view by building the kitchen along the window is the right decision. I have attached a photo of this room so you can see the outlook. There are challenges with every design and I’m struggling to know what to prioritise. So very keen to know others opinions. Cheers Jo jo

You see, my kitchen isn't just where I whip up delicious meals; it's where the magic happens when friends and family come over. Picture this: it's Friday night, and the gang's all here. We're gathered around the island, sipping on cocktails and catching up on the latest gossip. The kitchen becomes the heart of the party – a place where laughter flows as freely as the drinks. And let me tell you, some of my best memories have been made right here in this kitchen. From impromptu dance parties to deep late-night conversations, it's where bonds are strengthened and good times are had by all. Oh, and speaking of good times, I recently introduced everyone to this amazing pico de gallo recipe. The fresh flavors added an extra kick to our gathering, and now it's become a staple whenever we get together.