Like everything , it comes down to budget and 'value for money' -- generally both the cheapest but also the most expensive aren't the best options -- its doing things 'cleverly' .

The entrance foyer looks like it may be a bit dark and closed in , but you don't really want to open the wall between it and the kitchen either . Not really in the 'brief' , but I'd look at opening up the doorway into the lounge -- I guess it depends whether you close that door often ?

To me , the only way/place to get more room would be 'open' the double doors and however much more you can between the lounge and family room ( before you strike load bearing walls near the wood burner ) , move the dining room to the family room , and then basically do whatever you like with the kitchen , utilising the existing space and the existing dining space .

That may work , or maybe you don't want to combine the lounge and family room , in the latter case maybe move the lounge to the existing family room , utilising the window seats and maybe downsize your lounge suite , wall mount a TV , etc . And then use the existing lounge as dining and family area ?

None are ideal , but thats my 'off-the-top-of-my-head' thoughts .

The entry and kitchen are facing the south east with a path to the entry down the side of the house. Garaging below and dining and living face the street. I had wondered about reconfiguring the entry to the north side of the house. The garden is overgrown there but maybe would give some more space for pantry an kitchen?

I assume the concrete patio is over the garage ?

Having the entry facing the street ( lounge / family room side ) would be my preference for a variety of reasons , but that depends on there being a suitable door there -- THEN you could open the kitchen up to include the laundry area , and the laundry door would simply be an exit for family , not visitors .

That , without knowing all the layout , seems the most likely , tidiest and cheapest -- unless you need to both build stairs , and cut an external door .

Hi Kay, looks like a big renovation is ahead for you, but exciting times as well!

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Good luck with your kitchen journey!