We got the IKEA shelves that are pictured in the butlers pantry photo I posted when we were on holiday in Melbourne, Australia. We don't have IKEA here in New Zealand! Hubby is going back over in May/June so will get him to get more of that sort of thing when there. We would pay about 4x the price for that sort of thing here in NZ. I need to work out what I will do now where the fridge was and there is the angle change (does that make sense?).

This is where the kitchen is going to be. Where my husband is will be counter top at that height. with a big wide counter top to sit under. on the back wall double door fridge a metre gap. 2 wall ovens then a sliding door where the ladder is. A scullery. Behind my husband to the side of him a sink the cooker then space. Where the big flat plank is on the ground (ish) will be the movable island. you can see a taster of the stone wall which will be on both sides of the entrance hallway, the flooring will look very similar to this http://carpetdiscounters.co.nz/product.aspx?product_id=441 . You may note the steel next to my husband on that side. it also needs to be treated. Thank you very much

It sounds lovely. The ceiling will be more than suitable for a transitional style. I think the wainscoting would also be fine but as I'm cautious I'd be adding after I'd lived there for a while. It does seem more traditional than transitional. On the other side I'd love the bead boarding in the hall.

My partner and I are designing our new build and we are now up to lighting, in particular kitchen lighting. We are having non-exposed scissor trusses in the living area with a lowered flat ceiling (2.4m stud) over the kitchen. Do we need pendant lighting? I am torn. I feel they are dust and grease gatherers, but also a great visual feature. I have attached a picture of our plan and inspiration for the living area. I am extremely grateful for any advice!