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

Wow, thank you so much everyone for all your brilliant suggestions. We own the place and found a way to remove the bars. Knocking down the wall between kitchen and dining is unfortunately not an option. Combining all your suggestions, will: 1. Go for white walls 2. Look into the built-in bench 3. Have a white or glass oval table with less chairs (no arm ones) 3. Change the wall lighting (and a pendant light?) 4. Mirror across dining area 5. Large artwork on the wall above the bench Will post the finished look here after

We agree, a rug could help define and delineate the different spaces! It looks like you may need some specific and quite large sizes - look for rugs that can be ordered in custom sizes to take the stress out of trying to make stock rugs fit! You have an absolutely amazing artwork on the wall there - perhaps use these blues and golden tones as inspiration? Blues would looks great with the wooden cupboards and accents. Some suggestions: https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/handknot-collections/contemporary-hand-knot/aegean-sky-blue/ https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/handknot-collections/contemporary-hand-knot/dover-light-blue/ https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/handknot-collections/contemporary-hand-knot/mars-light-blue/ https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/handknot-collections/contemporary-hand-knot/morgan-grey-2/ https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/handknot-collections/contemporary-hand-knot/soraya/ https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/handknot-collections/contemporary-hand-knot/venus-beige/ https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/handknot-collections/contemporary-hand-knot/twill-blue/ https://www.designerrugs.com.au/rug-collections/designer-collaborations/akira-isogawa-hirameki/batik-ubud/

I have just moved into a new house where we designed a kitchen/scullery very similar to yours - kitchen for preparation and cooking while being part of the household and the scullery for dirty dishes and storage of crockery and food items that are used occasionally or for sandwiches and snacks (little preparation). There is also a drinks area just outside the scullery (with a very small sink and a tap that has a choice of ready hot or chilled water - it is used constantly). The fridge is placed in the middle between the main preparation kitchen and the scullery where the toaster is also kept. People wanting coffee, toast, snacks can access everything without bothering the person/ people cooking. Our hot plates and wall oven are separated by an L-shaped bench with a single sink, which works very well. However, the sink is much closer to the oven than the hot plates which was bad planning. I underestimated the number of times I move between the sink and the stove top (including rinsing my hands between tasks). The sink needs to be close to the cooktop - and, because you are not stacking dirty or drying dishes there, the amount of bench space between the cooktop and sink does not need to be all that large. One other thing that I am really glad we upgraded to is a synthetic stone bench that is allows you to put pans on directly from the oven (most do not) - brilliant. It also allows you to cut directly in in. I usually don't do this, not because I ma concerned about the bench top but because I dont want to blunt my good knives :)