What do you want to use this extra seating for? Is it just for casual chit chat while someone is cooking? Do you need the extra benchtop? Do you want to eat meals here? I think that all makes a difference. You have room for a medium round/oval table in that space which may be more comfortable and flexible. It could be a more casual seating area where people could face the kitchen, I see your dining table at the far end means people have their back to the kitchen. If you really want to extend the bench, I like Feioi and minnie101 ideas re using a different material and more rounded. I would go for wood or colourful laminate and you could have a more rounded/wider end so some people could sit on the end, facing whoever is in the kitchen. A colour would look great, the yellow, orange from your painting would make it zing and look fab! Same if you decide to get a table, make it fun. Beware cold materials like marble or metal as people will be more likely to be leaning on them and those are cold on your arms. I find this even in restaurants with marble/metal tables. Personally I don't like sitting on stools and prefer chairs where your feel can touch the ground, much more comfortable so you could consider making the extended bench a lower level. Remember to post 'after' photos!

We had removed an Alno kitchen and dry-fitted another brand in the reception room, the experimental position did not work. The final kitchen is going in the 5.75 mtr extension with an island in front and a bench against the other wall. A separate lounge area will be created, this will be in addition to a new quiet /yoga room in the front room. Some questions / observations if you could help, comment please. Q 1 – what is the ideal width area for wall seat, bench and chairs – we have 2.4mtrs available before we hit the island seating area Q 2 – in this plan, are island seats really required ? The island (3x0.9 mtr) is desirable as a working area, Observation 1 – I am not keen on tall pull and swings and wanted low units against the wall, my wife loves the p/s units, I can see why as the present their contents when you open them, each unit is the same as having 3 base units. Are there any other options other than wall units ? Observation 2 – we are getting rid of the double oven unit in preference to base oven units. Observation 3 – could the slim A-F/F be placed next to bench, it may look silly with new flooring / deco / kitchen. We are okay to lose this F/F in preference of low integrated fridges & freezers - these are shown in the sketch. Observation 4 – The outside utility is almost ready to accept doors but the WM & Dryer will now be kept inside with a decent unit built around them. We may put doors to outside utility next year. Observation 5 – the extractor is new but we are ditching it in preference of a slim line hood Some pictures before we start on the new kitchen fitting...

The first thing I would do is get rid of the clutter! Have a tidy and buy some nice storage to throw the kids' stuff in. You should start by removing everything from that half of the room so you can get a feel for all the space you have then slowly move stuff back in. If you can, remove the fireplace to give you more useable wall space. Perhaps replace it with a nice fabric board to stick the kids' pictures to. I assume you have taken that photo from the doorway? I would say that the vocal point of the room is your kitchen table and you should make that a feature with flowers and crockery or even by painting or changing the tables and chairs. I don't think the sofa currently adds anything design-wise as it turns the room into a corridor and doesn't appear to face anything in particular to create a focal point. Can you fit it next to the door so it faces into the kitchen? The lights don't help - they will be casting a stark bright light and are very utilitarian so it would help to change them (some or all) to something a bit softer or on trend. A wooden floor would warm up the room but if you can't do that then put a rug down in that bit by the sofa. The colours of the cabinets, flooring, and sofa make the whole room very beige so you should inject colour with soft furnishings and pictures. Pick 1 or 2 main colours and work from there.

Hi, Georgina I could certainly help you put together a design for these 3 spaces. A much smaller space but this is a concept design I recently put together for a family in Milton Keynes (all of the work was done remotely due to COVID). www.myclaybrickhome.com/post/kitchen-concept-design I also completed a large reno at My Claybrick Home last year and you can see some of my kitchen photos here. www.houzz.co.uk/hznb/projects/kitchen-and-dining-space-pj-vj~6337964 If you would like a concept design putting together the cost is £150. This covers the kitchen & family room. Feel free to drop me a reply or an email to vicky@myclaybrickhome.com to book a free no obligation consultation. Good luck with the extension Rgds Vicky