Hi. I think any dark, rich colour could work well (would paint the skirts in the wall colour) but if you didn't want to paint the furniture either a really deep teal or inky blue would work well. Perhaps use ochre or burnt orange as accent colours or moss or emerald/grass green work really well with an inky blue. I assume the ceilings aren't tanked so you'll need a ceiling fix pole? Having floor to ceiling curtains will make it feel taller. I'd also have a tall portrait leaner mirror on the wall opposite the window to make it feel taller and to bounce light (do you know where the stud work is for attaching things to walls?) Could you have a light weight canvas hung on the chimney breast attached with those sticky pads? Agree re lighting and would also add 1/2 floor lamps. Is an electric stove in budget for the chimney? My only reservation is dark walls against a white ceiling. I think my basement is the same height and I deliberated for ages and in the end painted it all white :) there is an argument that dark ceilings can create depth as you can't see where they end.. also an argument re white gloss or Matt finish for the ceilings! If you did go for dark walls though i might consider a mid shade for the ceiling

Unless you particularly like the desaturated look of all greys, my instinct would be to go with a more natural shade of oak for the flooring. https://www.howdens.com/joinery/floors/flooring/vinyl-flooring/quick-step-livyn-single-plank-natural-oak-luxury-vinyl-flooring-2105m-pack-sdh3680 Possibly even this; https://www.howdens.com/joinery/floors/flooring/vinyl-flooring/quick-step-livyn-single-plank-dark-brown-oak-luxury-vinyl-flooring-2105m-pack-sdh3684 for more contrast. The shelves are fine in whitewash, painting them may make the room feel smaller. Its better to let your items on display be the focus, than the shelves themselves. The darker bifold look more modern, and add extra dimension to the space. Depending on where the other window is, and how out of place it may look from the outside, you could replace it to go with the doors, or have the internal frame painted to match.

Sorry, I mistook the tile cement for grouting! I think you could put a single or double row of the tiles horizontally as a "border" to finish off the splashback. The ideal would be if the grout lines between the horizontal tiles match up with the vertical grout lines...

Hi Sayada, Congratulations on your new home! It sounds like a lovely space with a lot of potential for both functionality and flexibility. It’s great that you’re thinking through the layout carefully, especially with the unique needs of your gatherings and the practical considerations like cooking and privacy. Here are some suggestions that might help: 1. Open Plan vs. Semi-Open Plan: Since you’re concerned about the open-plan layout and the mess/noise from cooking, a semi-open plan could be the perfect compromise. Your idea of extending the kitchen/diner and creating an L-shaped extension sounds ideal. You could: Close off the kitchen: Use a combination of glass partitions or sliding pocket doors. This allows you to visually separate the kitchen when needed but still lets natural light flow through. Dedicated Laundry Space: If space allows, include a small laundry or utility area within the kitchen or tucked into the L-extension. This keeps everything organised and hidden from the main entertaining space. 2. Archway with Bi-Fold Doors: The arch opening between the living room and diner sounds like a great way to create flow while maintaining the option to separate the spaces. Bi-fold doors are perfect for this—they can open fully for large gatherings but close off the space for smaller, cosier settings or when you want to reduce noise from one area to another. 3. Kitchen Layout for Large Gatherings: Since you frequently host large gatherings, consider: A Large Island or Peninsula: This could act as a serving area or buffet station, separating the cooking zone from the dining/entertaining area. Double Ovens and Extra Storage: If space permits, incorporating double ovens and additional storage for serving dishes and cookware will be a game-changer for hosting large groups. Separate Prep Area: If possible, extend the kitchen further (as you suggested) to create a dedicated prep or catering area. This will allow you to manage cooking without disturbing guests. 4. Garden Utilisation: With a 100-foot-long garden, you have ample space to extend without losing much outdoor functionality. Consider: Decking: Retain or extend your deck area near the house as an additional seating area or outdoor dining spot for gatherings. Flow to Summer House: Since you already have a summer house and garage at the end of the garden, think about creating a pathway or covered pergola for a seamless connection between the house and these spaces. This could be especially useful if you plan to convert the garage into a guest studio later. 5. Future Garage Conversion: When you're ready to convert the garage into a studio or guest space, it could serve multiple functions—such as a rental, guest room, or even a separate space for hosting smaller events. Since cars can’t access it, using it for living or recreational space is a great idea. Ensure proper insulation and consider adding plumbing if you’ll need a small kitchenette or bathroom for long-term use. 6. Ventilation and Odor Control: Since you cook a lot of spicy food, good ventilation is key to prevent odors from spreading through the open areas. You might want to: Invest in a high-powered extractor hood. Consider ducted systems that vent outside rather than recirculating air inside. Ensure good airflow by incorporating windows, skylights, or even a small ventilation system in the L-extension. 7. Long-Term Flexibility: It’s smart to design with future flexibility in mind. If your needs change, having spaces that can serve multiple purposes (e.g., living room for family use and formal gatherings, kitchen as a prep zone and social hub) will ensure your home adapts with you. Hope this helps clarify things and gives you a few options to consider! It sounds like you’re creating a beautiful, functional space that will work well for both daily life and your larger gatherings. Best of luck with the council submission—fingers crossed everything goes smoothly! 😊