This is a really awkward space! What about trying to build a unit into the corner which seems to be dead space. This could house the television and other bits like dvr,amp etc. The unit could then extend out towards the door in length and in height either up to the start of the window or up to the start of the blinds. I would suggest drawers for toy storage and books above. In this way you leave the windows clear for light plus it looks like you have a pull down screen so the tv would be out of the way of that. This arrangement would also hide all those wires and cables! Ikea have some good examples of storage which you could adapt or copy, such as Besta which illustrates the extended toy storage. http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/S39927155/

You are so right white is never out of fashion. I would set your budget and then look at your options. If you plan to stay in the house for many years then spend to the top of your budget (if that is going to give you a life time of pleasure), if you plan on being at the home for only a short time / few years then I would go mid range so it looks lovely, will have good resale value but you can invest your well earned money to go towards something else as well. Obviously Marble / Granite is the top of the range but there are so many cheaper and very attractive options these days that look just as good.

Miramar Kitchen Makeover Getting from a Then to a Now takes commitment and we could not be happier for our delightful clients. They tell us they pinch themselves every morning and what an utter privilege it has been to contribute to a space filled with joy. Before: After: As with any meaningful transformation, this one started with thoughtful consideration of space planning. This previously busy space now feels relaxing and spacious whilst also adding a laundry, having more kitchen storage AND accommodating uncluttered display features. It's a great example of the power of a good layout and bringing in the light :-) Before: After: One 21sqm room contains three zones that are cohesive but also occupy a distinct space practical for their function. The new kitchen layout is a galley (meaning no corners), the dining table that was against a wall is now centralised giving access from all sides, and a laundry occupies a corner formally filled with unused fireplace. Before: After: The new layout is a galley style kitchen with the main benchtop extending the full length of the outer wall. It comfortably accommodates space for a long working bench, storage cabinetry, main kitchen appliances, as well as the contained laundry unit. No corner goes wasted with this particular layout. Tall elements such and fridge freezer and pantry are located on the opposite wall so they don’t block light or views. Adjusting the existing windows allowed for maximum bench space and a clear wall for cabinetry, hob and extractor as well as a succinct shape for a feature tile. Before: After: The former kitchen and dining room didn’t utilise the space as efficiently as it could. We removed the fireplace, reconfigured the room layout, added a laundry, tweaked existing windows to allow for a more open and accessible kitchen design and brought more natural light into the space through skylights. Before: After: NEW LAUNDRY The ‘Laundry in a Cupboard’ is in an accessible area with plenty of room around it when in use but able to be shut away and appear as one with the kitchen. SPECIFIC FEATURES • Enclosed cupboard space to fit washing machine and ventless dryer. • Space to accommodate a dirty laundry basket and a laundry basket for clean washing. • Tall and narrow cupboard for ironing board, floor mop and Dyson vacuum cleaner. • Higher additional shelving for infrequently used storage e.g. Christmas decorations. Before: After: SKYLIGHTS The wall was able to be used by deleting an ineffectual window and raising the height of another so a bench to run underneath. The natural light was generously supplemented with the inclusion of three fabulous skylights that bathe the whole space in light. Before: After: For this kitchen, the transformation was quite remarkable. The room went from a worn, dim and makeshift set up to a well functioning, modern and attractive space. Before: After: DISPLAY SHELVES The display shelves on the cabinetry corners facing the table create a comfortable feeling for dining, enhanced by the low feature pendant over the inviting round table. Before: After: AESTHETICS The overall palette aimed to be refreshing and a balance of pretty and smart. Some of the key features: ‘Contemporary character’ achieved through matte surfaces and clean lines. Precise, elegant and simple cabinetry. Colours and materials that balance fresh light walls bathed in natural light with cool and warm in balance. Cool tones from the subtle sage green/grey coloured cabinetry and detail in the marble splashback tiles Light, warm timber tones used on floor, furniture and joinery details. Before: After: PENDANT having low over dining table helps to create an intimate gathering space in an open plan area Before: After: OPEN STORAGE The custom timber joinery designed for the tall open shelving unit and above the sink visually create a sense of the space appearing larger. Purposefully placed on the corner of a block of cabinetry, the tall open shelving doesn’t completely block off the view from the dining area. At the same time the open shelving is useful for placing items and small appliances that are frequently used, adding to the range of storage possibilities within the space.

Our clients came to us with a kitchen that hadn't been touched since the early 70s and required a complete renovation which included opening it up to the dining and lounge areas to create an open living plan with great flow to the exterior. The home also was surrounded by stunning views that the clients wanted to maximise. Before: The main working bench faced out to the view, and was on the large island, with a porcelain bench being a hard-wearing durable choice. This was combined with a granite feature benchtop which provided a focal point as you walked into the space, and played with different heights to break up the large surfaces. Extra storage in the form of toe kick drawers were added to the design, and storage was maximised to full height. After: Corners are notoriously tricky storage areas, and getting easy access to these requires a good product. My favourite is the Hafele Le Mans unit and in this kitchen project it provides a great alternative solution to having to reach into those dark spaces. If you need some extra space to stash your cash....hide the cookies from the grandies, or storage over sized platters, a hidden toekick draw is the answer. The Blum system is smooth running and can take a good amount of weight. After: The theme for the space was industrial luxury, and the black cabinetry with the aged brass handles and tapware created a moody, yet time-honoured aesthetic. We are also excited to share that this kitchen is a Finalist in the2022 TIDA New Zealand Kitchens Awards Check out the entire project here, as well as a walk-through! Products used: Blum - drawer systems and hardware Plumbline - aged brass tapware Laminex - Cabinetry Metalier - Metallic cabinetry Archant - Porcelain Benchtop Universal Granite - Granite feature benchtop