I would suggest your decision needs to centre around how you would like to use the space. If you would like a kitchen/diner with separate lounge then removing the walls and building a stud I don't think would add value in terms of use, it would reduce your lounge space considerably and your proposed extension is already a great space for a kitchen/diner. If you opt to keep them in then may be consider, 1) as Rumi has said, blocking the entrance up between the two rooms, 2) moving the entrance to the reception room to the rear of the wall it is currently on. This would give you more flexibility with your room layout. If you would like kitchen/diner/lounge in the back of the house then moving the wall back would deliver an area to cater for all 3 zones whilst leaving your reception room as a potential cosy getaway. Good Luck.

Hi everyone. I just wanted to show you my new steps. They were finally finished on Saturday last week. A large wooden frame was made over the steps and filled with concrete so not access or egress for a whole week. They were then plastered with a very fine concrete to give them a smooth appearance. I love the new steps. The hand rail is a total feature and I cannot wait till my seeds have germinated and the whole area will be covered in geraniums and begonias. What do you think? New return at bottom of steps beside front door New even steps to heaven!

Thank you all for your comments and feedback - From the feedback seems that the benefits of having a flush transition to the exterior space outweighs the disadvantage of the big drop at the end. In terms of the steps, as the garden is small and not very deep wide steps from the end of the patio would take up too much space so I was thinking of using recessed steps (see image) - it reduces the usable patio space but keeps the garden area.

A very good morning, We love the Herringbone flooring, it is beautiful. We would be inclined to discreetly blend the steps and very low wall by adding a tiled surface that either: 1. Replicates and matches the grain in the Herringbone flooring - to create a discreet flow 2. Select a tile colour which matches the lightest colour of the grain in the wooden flooring 3. Select a tile that has a textured look to blend the Herringbone flooring (see below image and description) If you take a look at the image below, you can see how they have used a matt tile surface with a textured look, which perfectly compliments the oak kitchen cabinetry, and compliments the white plain wood effect of the opposing flooring. Have a great day Warm and best wishes Team SPEAK