yes it's interesting how the Brits like closed off rooms. I watch those UK home shows & thy seem to all says "don't want cooking smells" but don't they have good extraction fan rangehoods there like we do? I've also wondered why they don't have/ install proper air conditioning there that warms, cools & filters the air? Wonder if now their summers are getting hotter if they'll embrace it. I certainly thing you can have the best of both worlds in the right house, open kitchen dining living & then maybe a seperate living or reception room as they call them in the UK. Also if you have nice big bedrooms & master suite you can escape there for peace & quet. Interesting the differences between countries.

with such generous available space my suggestions consider long term improvements for the whole house and temporarily retains the existing laundry in favour of a different option for kitchen and pantry (with long term prospects for new bathroom, powder room and ensuite) and i would also keep the entry foyer for privacy and heat zoning and, because of the western aspect to the rear, think about smaller sliding doors and windows with a gable roofed ground level alfresco to provide outdoor living area and screening for late afternoon sun and, unless there's a very special view and potential for a deck towards the front, replace the external living room door with same sized windows...

Hello Savilovie, If you have young children the dining space will be great for all their toys: lego corner, dolls house, cars area. When you have young adults the need space with friends away from you "old people"! So having two areas is very handy. having said that I can see how the position of the dining as it is would be a bit awkward and having the wall the other side could be better. Still keeping two area but more usable. Interested to see what you do with this!! Cheers Margot

Just have an extra long dining table. You also need walking space for circulation from the different areas and to outside.