I would suggest your plumber links the hot and cold fill pipes to the supply UNDER the sink - this gets rid of unsightly pipes and while he's there get him to move the taps to the L side of sink. I would then create a broad drop down counter top to create a place to sort your laundry ready for hanging out to dry or to fold ready for ironing This drop down counter top to be hinged to R side of washing machine and ensuring the taps are not impeded. If you can't do the drop down version then create a free standing top made out of a piece of MDF/laminated board to put over the sink and washing machine for clothes sorting & folding. This free standing top can 'live' at the side of the washing machine when not needed. I would then put shelves above the folded back counter top to store washing powder and sundries. I would store the washing powder etc in colourful or white boxes to keep the place looking tidy and uniform. Handles on the boxes for ease of access. Oh I do love organising - can I pop round and do this for you? Hope all goes well with the changes.

Wow, that was awesome Mark, thanks for that and everyone else. I thought about the desk facing the other way actually, to avoid feeling enclosed I do have really great views there so I thought about a small couch and maybe a bookshelf on the back, but having the dining table in front is probably not the best either.... complicated :( Here are a couple more pics, today was a beautiful day so I managed to get more of the views

does anyone else struggle to visualize what there future home will look like from just a set of plans? it is hard to imagine how the space will feel before it is built. Any suggestions?

Move your existing furniture in initially , and see what layout works for you . Then if you want to change the style/colour , just shop around for what you like . There isn't much 'furniture' ( I would take that as a positive ) , and lounge suites are fairly universal . Personally , there is no way I'd have those doors non-opening -- they are the main feature IMO . So I'd use the existing setup as a guide -- the TV angled in the corner , couches around the edges . Then add what you want style wise -- a rug , a coffee table , a TV cabinet , presumably in French provincial off-white ( maybe not the rug haha ) .