HI Madison There are pros and cons for every situation, but you need to work out what is best for your lifestyle. Personally, I agree with the carpet in the living room, and hard flooring in the kitchen/dining areas. All you need to do is work out your demarcation points (where carpet will meet hard flooring). A great retailer should be able to visit you at home, discuss options, give you pricing and away you go! (Us if you are in Auckland :) ) With littlies, I'd suggest a vinyl plank.....other posts will tell you I'm a big fan of it, but with kids, toys, mess, liquids etc, vinyl planks will give you the best wear over time. They are very hard wearing (Karndean have lifetime residential warranty), easy to keep clean, and waterproof - can be installed in all wet areas. Timber flooring, depending on which you choose (real wood, engineered wood, laminate), may not be the best "fit for purpose" products in your situation. Whilst I'm not trying to champion one product over the other, having had carpet with little kids, and putting drop sheets over carpet, under highchairs, why wouldn't someone not put in vinyl planks?

Joanna Gains style is fun! What you choose for lighting and surfaces will determine the amount of reflective light in your stairway. The Architect is right in what he is suggesting "a decorative wall" could bring more light into the space. I believe you could apply this on principle....for example you could do a feature "Architectural Mirror"or lots of mirrors on the wall in the right position to reflect light in "Joanna Gain style" then in the same style add an eye catching pendant or wall lights depending on what is best functionally. Remember what you use on the ceiling & walls is important too every surface counts for your situation. Try a satin finish with a cool white like Dulux "St Clair Quarter" or Resene "Black White" Maybe Nancy's suggestions of a skylight is an option for your situation if it allows ? Natural Light is always great. Heres some inspiration...All the best!

Hello - I am an independent Interior Designer and Colour Consultant based in Cambridge. The issue you are having is something that I come across a lot (unfortunately). You need to add items that will absorb sound - what you have at the moment in this space are all items that are 'hard' and therefore will 'bounce' all sound around the room - which is why it's so noisy. Would love to help you :) www.cambridgecolour.co.nz elizabeth@cambridgecolour.co.nz Elizabeth; 027 275 9779

Personally, I lean towards keeping it simple and elegant, maybe with a black strip and a wooden shelf or drawer above. It's all about what fits your style and the kitchen's vibe. If you need more inspiration or advice, don't hesitate to check out some ideas online or visit websites like https://musiccityappliance.services/ for tips. Good luck with your project!