Hi everyone, we have moved in! We didn't manage to paint before we moved and think we will go for a staged approach - above the wood panels first in a warm white then decide on the panels. I'm having a bit of trouble working out what kind of sofa to buy and how at arrange the lounge. All furniture except coffee table temporary in photos and would love some ideas!

Thanks for your comments everyone. We've taken your advice (Luke and NH) and changed the island to a rectangle (1200 x 3000). We lose one breakfast bar seat but gain storage and dining room space plus it shortens the distances from the island to the cooktops. It also removes the need for a corner carousel. We're much happier with this result. Dairy_maid, we've done what you suggested and walked through some common tasks. Overall it works reasonably well although we may keep some coffee spoons and butter knives in the scullery drawers for morning toast and coffee. We've also invested in a "silent" rangehood which has the motor on the outside of the house behind the fridge and we've upgraded the scullery sink to one that is 600 x 400 (internal size). Fabrication starts tomorrow. Woohoo. Once again, thanks so much for taking the time to respond. The design has been significantly improved with your input.

Hi Lashford, A couple of thoughts for you to ponder. The artwork over the bed is not centralised so is out of sorts. Either two items placed evenly on either side or one wider item centrally located would work better, even if the bed is not on that wall. Would you consider putting the bed on the window wall so you look out the ranch sliders rather than at the wardrobe and ensuite doors? That way also if you want to make a feature wall behind the bed it will be rectangular rather than to a high ridge line. This re positioning does not lead to any extra walking around the bed as you currently walk in the door and all around the bed to the far side of it. Ideally I prefer not to see the bed in front of you when you walk in the room but I'd prefer to face the view than face the services. For a feature wall behind the bed, I think there are all sorts of options. Wallpaper is certainly an easy option but I think many people chicken out and don't choose something amazing enough. It is a small item so go brave. The one suggested by Pottsy99 is certainly a bold one and there are plenty to chose from. I am always aware of not making the bedroom too feminine as it is a shared space and both partners need to feel like they have ownership of it. Your curtains are also very neutral. You could 'bold them up' a bit too and tie them in with the colour theme you chose. I'm also a fan of making curtains longer hanging them from the ceiling to the floor. They look better when drawn closed. Blue will work well with the existing timber and grey carpet and you can add a small amount of a bolder colour like gold/amber or orange or even fuschia. Or you could work in a full grey scheme with a spot of colour. Paint on a feature wall still works but also timber battens painted in with the wall are popular at present and take a bit of time and effort but has impact. You could also do it in the rimu or macrocarpa to fit in with the existing timber and work it in with the window. Some images for you to ponder but not limited to these ideas. Cheers, Christine.

A professional couple in beachside St. Heliers wanted to breathe some new life into a kitchen that was not just dated; its tired layout was preventing the leveraging of their gasp-worthy stunning views. They love entertaining so one of the cornerstones of the project was carving out an area around the island that would beckon people to linger, chat and nibble while looking out over Rangitoto. Before: After: The first step in this full redesign required the removal of walls to open up the space which meant the installation of a new support beam that was later skillfully integrated into the subtle white paint in order to not interrupt the clean lines. A palette of oak, greens and gray was selected as a nod to the couple’s personal style that was weaved into other rooms to give a consistency in colour scheme throughout the property. For the kitchen, tiles and carpet were done away with and soft hued timber flooring was laid that will promise durability over time. An island with oak lines to integrate with the flooring and a white stone benchtop was selected to compliment the walls and ceiling for a bright and airy feel. Sliding doors were installed to bring the outside in and invite ocean breezes indoors during warmer months. Olive coloured subway tiles along the backsplash blend beautifully with the pendant lights in the same tone. The wine fridge and a large refrigerator will mean ease of entertaining to hold plenty of goodies for guests. Before: After: In the lounge, existing awkward angles presented a design challenge so it was decided that a reconfiguration was necessary. A custom cupboard answered the need for non-existent storage along with a walk-in wardrobe. A sleek oak bookcase and timber floors connected the room to the kitchen and allowed for elegant storage and display of personal items. The hearth has tiles in soft grey hues of concrete that connect to the kitchen. They are taken up the wall inconsistently to add visual variation. The custom ordered large oak dining room ties the spaces together and seats 8 -10 people making large dinner parties a possibility. The previous peach bathroom was a serious nod to the 1980’s. A single glass paned shower brings convenience without blocking light and the gun metal sink will allow for lots of wear and tear. A large white bath with gun metal fixtures was added and the oak cabinet under the sink completes the look. In the powder room, olive coloured patterned tiles lined the bottom half of the walls and an oak shelf and floors again kept the look and feel cohesive throughout. Before: After: Check out the entire project here!