Thanks for the good ideas. Val - yes we are planning a moveable island/table - didn't put it in the diagram as we are planning to get it after the reno but perhaps should have it there to give better picture of our plan. We are thinking a timber topped bar style table, 900 high, 1200 long and 800 wide. It'll be dual purpose - flush with benchtops for extra prep space, and a snug table for 4 (on bar chairs). Louie and Kate - thanks for the fridge tip. I was playing with this and preferred the look of the fridge inside which seemed more 'built in', but can see the point about a slight blocking of the pantry with its greater depth. One related question - if the fridge was on the outside, do you think an end panel (as in Louie's pic) is essential? With every mm literally counting, it would help save 16mm or so to not have this, but would it be an issue to have the side of the fridge exposed? Kate - re micro height, it's another good point. We chucked our current micro and were waiting to reno to replace...and have found that we hardly miss it. So we aren't even sure we need one, but thought a compromise was to have the shelving about 650 above the benchtop to allow for micro but not effect benchtop space. This would be at a similar height to ones that people sometimes have over cooktops. But agree that it would be a bit impractical for regular use of the microwave. Perhaps it's worth lowering at least 100-150mm? One final question - perhaps should be separate post. What is the thinking on minimum width next to cooktop? Of course ideally you would have 400 or 500 or more.....but in our small space, we have a reasonable space to the right of the cooktop, but only 200mm to the left. Then again have seen kitchens, especially with freestanding stoves, that have no space on one side (ie cooktop at end). In some ways this would be better for us as we could have 800 wide drawers, rather than 600 wide, then oven, then 200 wide mini drawers.....but thought it might be better to have the small 200 benchtop space on the other side of cooktop than none at all. Thoughts? Thanks again for the good ideas!

Placing seating in this area would make it look like a waiting room so I would embrace its current function as a corridor. Get a lovely area rug that is almost as big as the space, hang some art on the walls to give them some interest and soften the french doors with a blind or curtain that can be opened or closed depending on your mood. Maybe a console table and some lamps or a bench would work well. And never underestimate the power of plants. MKG

i think the space next to the stove is much too cramped for a fridge and my suggestion would be to have the fridge next to the tall cabinets (lose the cabinet facing the living area) and add more drawers and wall cabinets in place of the broom cabinet...there should be no problem making the island at least 90cm deep as long as the sliding door opens away from the kitchne and while making these changes it would also be worthwhile to consider installing an extra power point under the laundry tub to avoid the untidy view of the washing machine cord and/or add a new wall across the laundry with space for the fridge, doors to a tall storage cabinet and doors in front of the washing machine and tub will create a much more streamlined look in the new open plan kitchen

As OKL it's a bit artistic licence without all information In my experience it's important to keep the charm of the original building Fireplace ceilings and trims etc. The following maintains part of the driveway which is also important and still allows a 900 access to the rear, this is if your building code allows The Master bed, Ensuite WIR and laundry extension would be done in timer with the roof to match the current colourbond. Exterior photo of property is via the link I posted above which shows how tight things are.. Going up at the rear over the Colourbond section could also be considered, Ie second story. with a view out over the garden.