You have a good nice project planned here, with your kitchen now a part of large living space. Here, though, are some cautions and suggestions. Your extra-large peninisula counter and full window wall over the sink seem to be features that you like and want - but they also cause some problems with this plan. If two people are ever in the kitchen, one will be trapped there. And even for one, the peninsula forces an irritating hike around it to the table for serving and clean-up. Table and array of counter stools are uncomfortably close together, creating congestion especially when occupied. And while your back wall may well contain a fridge, wall ovens, pantry and cook-top, it would just barely do so - and leave no other space at all for counter. This, together with your nice bank of windows on the outside wall leave no space at all for upper cabinet dish storage. I agree with Laurie that an island here would be much preferable. I would put the sink and dishwasher on an island, with fewer stools, and some mid-height dish storage - letting gatherings of more than two or three enjoy the table in a conversational arrangement instead of facing away from the room in a row. I would also minimize the window array a bit, and extend the kitchen toward the dining table window a foot or so - and put the wall ovens at this end of the "L" - with no side wall at the left. This would distribute your countertop space more happily among your work stations, allow for some upper cabinet storage, and make the kitchen feel more part of the nice big room, instead of separated from it by the peninsula. Perhaps a careful in-person visit with a kitchen designer would be wise before you build this fun new addition. Good luck! Mark

The blue is awesome (grey is too trendy)! The reason it stands out to you is perhaps because it's the only real colour there. Bring in the blue in a window treatment, a small appliance that sits on the counter, a pretty tray or area rug. Also, it is more appealing often if there are more than 2 colours - so right now you have a white and blue colour scheme - bring in red or orange or fushia - something from the other side of the spectrum (like you did with the yellow flowers but in a more permanent way)!

The all black kitchen looks scary as. Maybe because there's no lightness in there at all.

This project required a small renovation, where my clients wanted to create something simple and light, without costing a fortune. In the guest bathroom we were able to leave the plumbing as is and worked on replacing the WC, Shower and Vanity. In the laundry the area in the room behind the counter, storage area was pushed back allowing for a larger space within the narrow room. A new door was put in and a new window. Before: After: This extension of space allowed for the guest bathroom to be extended out as well to allow for a larger vanity and all round larger and more accommodating space. The counter top in the laundry is bamboo, the simple black tiles above and perhaps later down the clients will put up cupboards and shelving as suggested. Before: After: The light grey ceramic tiles on the floor replaced the dark ones that made the space feel small and cramped. The white on the walls and new lighting give a totally different feel to the room and makes it a far more welcoming space to work in. Check entire project here!