I would suggest your plumber links the hot and cold fill pipes to the supply UNDER the sink - this gets rid of unsightly pipes and while he's there get him to move the taps to the L side of sink. I would then create a broad drop down counter top to create a place to sort your laundry ready for hanging out to dry or to fold ready for ironing This drop down counter top to be hinged to R side of washing machine and ensuring the taps are not impeded. If you can't do the drop down version then create a free standing top made out of a piece of MDF/laminated board to put over the sink and washing machine for clothes sorting & folding. This free standing top can 'live' at the side of the washing machine when not needed. I would then put shelves above the folded back counter top to store washing powder and sundries. I would store the washing powder etc in colourful or white boxes to keep the place looking tidy and uniform. Handles on the boxes for ease of access. Oh I do love organising - can I pop round and do this for you? Hope all goes well with the changes.

On the dresser I have like this, I painted it crisp white. The top middle drawer was removed and the interior painted an accent color. Of course, some great new hardware. Also, you can alternate (the full sized drawers) in a different color from the base color or paint all the drawers the same color but slightly different from the base color.

As chookchook said in her recommendation about painting, put a drop cloth on the floor. Get a very safe ladder. remove the lightbulbs, and cover the outlets. Turn off the electricity to the chandelier. Then spray it with a mild cleaner (I use one I found at Target that's basically water with vinegar, until it's dripping wet. Start at the bottom and work your way up, so you don't have dirty spray dripping on the bottom of the chandelier.Work your way up and down until the dripping spray is clean. The chandelier may be gorgeous and expensive, but it seems totally out of place in the architecture of the room--more at home in a chalet than a sunny room with a window wall. I would probably try to find a way to get it removed, and sell it to someone who appreciated it better than I.

An Architect is the creative person that you need.........We are trained to think outside of the box and to give our clients the dreams that they could not envision on their own. We are also trained to design and present winning presentations for city review approvals...... Of course, not all architects are equal so you might have to shop around a bit for the one that you like best. Look at their portfolio of projects........Call their references and see that their clients loved working with them. You can ask as many as you want for proposals.... Most architects will meet with you and write a proposal, without charging for that time. I am sure that you will be happy........