Cannot see photos very well. Looks like a wood floor, wood table, beige walls, beige drapes,white cabinets, white counter top, black bar stools and black chairs (some fabric and some black wood).. Cannot see chairs well enough to make suggestions. Cannot see blinds nor "slats" well enough to make suggestions. A white ceiling might make it seem higher. Tulip art is colorful and fun, I'd hang it in the entry or living room.

kitchen has wood look lino not sure what to do in lounge? as you can see from pxt it steps up to lounge, do I follow on with lino or would that be too cold here in nz?

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.

Ideas for lighting in an open plan kitchen/lounge plus bathroom and ensuite