I think it looks very clean, fresh, and modern and much improved on the old kitchen. Once the owners move back in and add their own touches it will look homely. I had a kitchen about this size and just had one clear glass pendant light in the middle and the standard extractor fan lights. We were able to see and there was no problem with shadows so I don't know what all the fuss is about here. Kitchens are for cooking, not performing surgery. I would have chosen a more exciting looking light, but actually applaud the lack of spotlights here, aka 'builder's acne'. :)

To get the most bang for your buck I would leave the cabinets unpainted (because it’s hard to get a great finish as a DIYer and you could end up cheapening the look). Instead I would get rid of the orange tones by painting the walls a grey with a green quality, replacing the worktops with a laminate that looks like stone, a patterned lino will be a nice upgrade for the floor- again choosing grey and stone colours. Lastly I would get rid of the strip light and replace it with inset ceiling spots and under cabinet lights. Expect to pay £600 to have the worktop done (more expensive as the sink and hob have to be disconnected and reconnected), £300 for fitting lights and £200 for an inexpensive lino and laying. Painting the wall is a job you might well feel confident doing and you shouldn’t spend much on paint.

Hi Liz! To answer your questions, I hope this helps: "I talked to an architect who said he would do a feasibility study for us but I don't really understand what this will gain me." A feasibility study typically means that the architect will draw some sketch designs for you and then these can be used to test that the project is right for you - things like that it fits your budget, it is likely to get planning permission or it's within permitted development. Things like that. I offer a similar service called the Home Design Foundation Package. "Should I go for the feasibility study then get him to draw up plans? then approach builders?" I would check with the architect that you've spoken with what their feasibility specifically delivers for you - what will you get. I assume that you will get some sketch plans, but I don't know what they will be like or how useful they will be. If they are similar to the ones that I produce then you can use them to get a budget outline from builders, but they are not suitable for use for construction because more detail is needed. However, you could use them as a guideline on the basis that they are an outline sketch design that will need further decisions to be made to be able to build so can't be relied on as construction drawings. "Should I get building companies in and hope they will have a "pet "architect who can advise me?" You can do this but most builders work with technologists and not architects because they are cheaper. If budget is your highest priority then this might be OK for you. But if you are looking for more quality then you will get a better result working with an architect first and then going to a builder with a complete set of construction drawings. "Should I get a kitchen/interior designer in and if so will they advise on the whole project or just the kitchen layout?" It depends if your architect offers kitchen design or not. This is something that I offer in my Build Package. Some architects do offer this and some don't. If you are looking at getting an extension built then you need an architect, not an interior designer. Hope this helps! I've made a video that goes through the main mistakes that homeowners make when having an extension built and how to avoid them. This might help you too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwCG5eLkv0s&t=1s Best of luck with your project! Jane, i-architect.co.uk

It seems a very mean sized kitchen compared to the living space. You are very restricted by the sticking out wall (what electrical are in there surely they could be re routed?) and also by the door out of the kitchen. Is there any scope to move that doorway towards the living area? This would then allow for an L shape kitchen under the window and along the back wall which would be a better use of space. If you could get rid of the nib wall then you could create a small peninsular so if you were cooking someone could perch there on a stool and chat to you. I will try and post some pictures of what I mean