So I just went outside to actually measure the full width of the house, the estate agent plans from when we bought said it's 5m wide so I was quite surprised to find its actually 5.65m and we can extend a further 50cm out so a total external width of 6.15m. Even subtracting the wall thicknesses there's more room to play with than I had originally realised! Have been fiddling with the plan. If I were to lose the raised oven and possibly the pantry the design does look more open and means I could have some open shelving too. Its just whether that ends up being form over function in terms of how I use a kitchen. Hmm decisions decisions! Thanks again for all the help though - much appreciated!

Hi Robyn I would be delighted to put together for you a layout of your space using design software which allows you to really visualise the space. Check out this kitchen design I put together for a family all over zoom as we live around 90 miles apart. www.myclaybrickhome.com/post/kitchen-concept-design As this is a costly project I would recommend spending the time with an interior designer to really understand how you and your family want to not only use the space, but how you want to feel in it. If you wanted to book a free no obligation consultation call drop me a reply. Rgds Vicky vicky@myclaybrickhome.com PS I have a kitchen, dining and sunroom - you can see pictures here www.houzz.co.uk/hznb/projects/kitchen-and-dining-space-pj-vj~6337964

A thought might be to consider a dining area with banquet seating area diagonally opposite the kitchen. This could keep the dining area related to the kitchen and from intruding into the through way to the rear doors , and incorporate some storage -which is always useful. It could have chairs on the kitchen side and a rectangular table. A pendant light, or twin pendants, over the table would create an intimate dining area. The area nearer the double doors could then be an informal seating area.

I'm guessing your children are small since you're thinking of a playroom? It's really clever thinking about what you'll do in the future as it helps you spend wisely now. I think Jonathan's plan is the way to go. In the meantime, maybe use the study as the dedicated playroom. Children's needs change quickly, so you probably wouldn't feel the loss of that room when you extend. Then you could take a longer term view on what you need in the front room. Couple of things we've done in different homes that might work for you: - Put a standard double divan in the snug and used it as a sofa. Duvet rolled as a bolster, huge throw over the top to hide it all and loads of cushions over that to make the sofa back. Was convincing enough that some guests asked how the sofa bed pulled out. Cheaper, more comfy and bigger sleeping area than most sofa beds. Plus four of us lounged on it for movie nights. - Used full height sliding doors across one wall and put a desk behind them plus storage. Even number of doors means an opening of almost half the width. If these both worked for you, the front room wall on the right could have the sliding doors (cheaper to go right across than build a side) and the bed/sofa front left.