Yes, measurements would help. Thank you aldrea1 for other explanation, though. That helps too. It sounds like you are going into a total gut-job! I love this! Great opportunity for your creativity. Also, it looks like you have a petite sized stove. With total remodel you can upgrade to a standard size range. Is this part of your plan? Are you going to replace any appliances? It would be good for you to keep sink and stove in original locations. It is complicated to move the stove's exhaust fan and the sink's plumbing. Not impossible, but probably $$$$$$$ and a lot of hassle…. So, I would start planning with those items--stove and sink on current walls. Wherever you put your refrigerator, it would be best to be sure side view is hidden. If refrigerator stays in current position, you could make peninsula a little smaller, so wall on the right of kitchen entrance could extend further and hide refrigerator edge----Or, move refrigerator to another location… Not too far from sink and counters, though. That would cause you inconvenience. You want a work triangle with not that many steps in-between. Do you currently have a dishwasher? Or are you planning to add one? Not much creativity in placement of a dishwasher---needs to be near water source and drain.. Are you doing the work yourselves or hiring a contractor?

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)

Hi everyone! I'm wanting to start renovating our home but before we get started I wanted to get some ideas and figure out what is possible, what is recommended and what is the best design that would suit our lifestyle. I have little to no understanding of who needs to be contacted to give the thumbs up that something CAN be done and HOW it should be done (such as removing load bearing walls, new floor layout- etc). We have a two story house with the bedrooms upstairs (3 bedrooms and one bathroom) and downstairs we have the utility room, a spare toilet and the garage. we're wanting to start renovating downstairs as it's the area that needs the most work but as first time home owners (and really young home owners) we're a bit lost. If you have any advice or even links to information/books that would be amazing. Thanks all and have a great day :D!

I need advice on colours for my entranceway - its 1770m wide and 5900m long. The walls have recently been re-gibbed with T&G panels attached approx a third of the way up the wall from the floor. I want to paint the area. I thought a darker shade on the t&g with a lighter shade above. Something to give it a bit of character. I want a warm neutral shade because its a cold south island nz climate. At this stage I am thinking a smoky grey tile on the floor with heating underneath. What colours do you recommend to go with the tiles? The door into the entrance and the door leading from entrance to kitchen are both cedar. So something to also match with them. Really appreciate some comments!! Also, the tiles would flow through the cedar door into the kitchen area which is an antique white shade. Open to suggestions of tile colour too.....nothing set in concrete as yet.