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)

To me it looks like it would be better to have a smaller kitchen as being a 1 bedroom place the living/ kitchen area is quite small. I think having the essentials along the bedroom wall is good but the island makes the living area too small in the first plan, and in the second the cabinets make the walkway too narrow. I would put sink, fridge, oven along the bedroom wall then make any other bench and storage space more like moveable furniture to make the living area seem bigger. The kitchen may be able to be shut off behind doors (a bit like a euro laundry) when not in use to make a much bigger living room, especially if it isn't used a lot.

Purchasing this 2400 sq foot home near the beach. Love the open floor plan but want to update it. We are definitely planning to redo kitchen and floors and paint but am stumped with how it all should be laid out. The main floor consists of kitchen, LR, and sitting room which currently houses the dining room table. I am considering having the wood fireplace removed altogether as it doesn't get much use in low-country SC but am not sure how to lay out the room without it, e.g., where should LR go and on which wall should TV go? Also considering converting the f/p to electric so that it is not a hazard and can be the focal point of room and place to mount TV. The home will also be used for short-term rentals so having a TV and dining room table are essential. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Hi, what is the best direction for laminate flooring? Is it ok to have different directions? currently it is all in same direction, but was thinking in Rm 2 where there is only a small section it would better if it is perpendicular to hallway direction? Also, maybe having the open plan kitchen, living, dining flooring perpendicular to hallway from doorway.