Thanks for the reply, don't think I'm quit at that stage yet though. Was more looking for general ideas on where cooking/dining areas could be located and how to fit in the utility and loo. Hoping that others who have done similar projects could share ideas on how to get the best layout for the space.

I think the Graphite splashback will co-ordinate nicely with the island; my only worry, personally would be everything being white And grey as it could look cold...But this is your space and it should be how you like it as you will be spending times... As you prefer a minimalist look, I'd say large format tiles to minimise the number of grout lines. This could be in a light grey or a slightly darker grey shown in your image. To add more interest to gloss cabinets I would consider white-wash/light grey wood effect tiles...This will help add texture and slight warmth to the room. All the best.

Our architecture has drawn up plans for our approved kitchen extension but I want to ask ideas for having a sky lantern.Should we have it to similar to our plans (nearer to the original building or more over to the proposed bifold doors? Also, what maximum size lantern would be recommended?Extension is width 5900 X 5900mm.Our architecture has said we will need the middle rsj but can move it up and down to accommodate the lantern and the lantern can be placed either side of the middle rsj.We would like a largest lantern as a statement piece but it won't sit over the dining table or island completely. Any suggestions??? IF I KNEW HOW TO UPLOAD DRAWINGS I WOULD!!

Embrace the courtyard! Seriously though I love the idea of an inner courtyard. It could be a private retreat, a Japanese garden perhaps. I would be inclined to keep just one door opening into the lounge and have a window in the kitchen wall. Your utility does seem to be a more practical size for a shower room but my first thoughts are what do you need more of on the ground floor, a shower room or a utility room? Could you settle for a cloakroom in the existing shower room? Or do you need both which leads me to a second consideration. I am puzzled by the layout of the kitchen. It seems to be very small for the available space and tucked away in the corner. Such a shame to have the table and indeed the breakfast bar both up against the walls. Is there room to turn the sitting area 90 degrees and push it up against the wall (top of the plan) leaving room for the dining table to be sited in front of the glazed doors (bottom of plan). This setup would allow views of the garden from sitting and dining. This would then allow you more space to accommodate a kitchen island and breakfast bar sited in the middle of the room where you have written ‘open space’ on the plan. If you want to go with your idea of having a shower room in the utility room then the above rejig would allow you to build a utility room where the breakfast bar is currently. You would have the shower room and utility side by side with the doors opening onto the hall. This would mean all the plumbing would be together with a convenient manhole nearby in the courtyard. This would involve building a wall and squaring off the kitchen thereby opening up the opportunity for more kitchen units on the other side of this wall. Perhaps site the sink under the window overlooking the courtyard. Again your plumbing would be located together. Cupboards could go along the wall where the dining table is now. The kitchen island would need to be aligned to allow free flow from the hall to the garden doors between these cupboards and island. I hope this proposal makes sense.