Beautiful table. I don't particularly like the metal/cane chairs. Too 'light' in appearance. Do you use the chairs by the window? I think they are too close to the table and they are too big in comparison. Could be the angle of the photos though, may look different in real life. I don't think your ceiling is too low to hang a pendant above the table. How do you change the table position? If you only turn it around, you can still keep it centered under a light. If you move it to the wall it's another story of course. The two paintings above the console should be hung lower and I prefer them on one level. You can add table lamps on the console and a floor lamp in the corner between the windows. If you use the two chairs, I would add a table in between and angle the chairs a bit. I'll see if I can find you other dining chair options.

Heating sources here in New Zealand are typically Heat Pump or woodburner. I see a heat pump merely blowing dirt and dust/hair everywhere... keeping it in the air... and distributing it all over. I've run across this: www.thermaskirt.com which is very interesting. It's like a radiator, using hot water to heat, but on each of the walls, at floor (skirting) level. Since we have 3.3m (11ft) ceilings in this addition, it might be the most effective at providing heat where we need it without blowing dirt/dust around.

Thanks :) Yeah decided to go with tile. So sand cement is ok over existing tiles if I prep them first? Only problem is, the new pad can only be about 30mm at it's thickest (leaving up to 15mm for tiles) otherwise it'll end up being higher than the hallway floor. So I either need to make the fall shallower or not bother with the waste and make it all level. If I made it level, could I use levelling compound at that thickness or would deck mud/sand cement be the best option? Also, should I be putting in mesh for strength? (I know I should (and will) ask the local hardware what they suggest, but it's great to have suggestions from the Houzz community also)

I haven't put engineered oak floors in my home, but I love the oiled look. What did you decide to go with?