There are many options for changing the look of your house. I would replace the windows with larger windows. You can put in tall windows and keep the same width. This doesn't require any structural changes. If you widen the windows you will need a structual analysis. However, if you want to really change the look, you could widen the openings and put in french doors on each side with a new balcony for each, or a balcony across the front. The balcony can be very shallow 6" or deep enough for a chair. It can be cantelevered. I would go for a contemporary look. I found some images to share for inspiration. If you decide to make the changes, I suggest that you hire a local Architect to help you acheive something really nice..........Your house has a lot of potential.

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?

If the flooring guy doesn't have any suggestions, he's not a flooring professional. Fire him and hire a real contractor who can deal with subsidence and settling issues.

Our clients were a young couple with a growing family, who wanted to modernise their home and incorporate the kitchen with the outside entertaining area, to create more of an indoor-outdoor flow. They had their own builder and contractors who removed the wall but hired All About Kitchens to work with them to design the kitchen of their dreams. Before: We created a sleek handless kitchen, with push to open bottom drawers, an integrated dishwasher, black stainless steel sinks and gooseneck taps, and negative detail 20mm Caesar Stone benchtop. They had visited our showroom in Petone, where they were inspired by a similar display but with integrated lighting. After: They liked the idea of breaking up the kitchen colour by adding the woodgrain look and have incorporated pull-out fittings in the corner for ease of access, oil pull near the stove, and built-in bin units. Their preference was drawers over cupboards, and to fully utilise the drawer height we used internal drawers for cutlery and utensils. After: They required a large walk-in pantry with a sliding door that would also house the microwave. These clients have been great to work with and have been very patient with some of the supply delays due to Covid. They are so happy with the final result and it's such a timeless design that they can enjoy it for a lifetime. Check out the entire projecthere!