Hello, Shot-blasting (AKA sandblasting) the beams will bring back the natural warmth of the wood, which matches perfectly with the red brick, the natural tones within the wood once treated post blasting will bring a level of depth to the room, and brighten it up making the space feel larger too. The natural 'sandy' undertones of the wood will blend well with a country theme, and even a more contemporary scheme. Choosing to white wash/ totally repaint to white will certainly allow more light to reflect throughout the space, giving a brighter, airier feel to the room. It really depends on the scheme (look) you would like to go with. A country, classical warm homely feel would be better with the natural wood. A more contemporary or a more chic, luxury scheme may benefit more from the white. Think about what furniture/ accessories you have for the room, and how they will work with either the natural or white. I hope this was helpful. Review Us Follow, Like, Comment INSTAGRAM @michaeljhaladesigns

I like the MATH mock up a lot. However one thing I picked up from the F&B How to Decorate book is that visually the ceiling starts at the line between the blue and white and in this case possibly shortens the room. Painting the pitch and beam may make the room look taller, however conversely may make the room look smaller because of the smaller ceiling area. If you see what I mean. Another perhaps more daring option AMB mentioned above is to paint the walls and ceiling all one colour. Then you don't have that visual break. What colour you choose depends on the room use and the light in the room? Is it light and bright? Is it a dark room? Perhaps if it is a dark room, go for a darker, moodier, cosy, cocooning feel: say an Inchira Blue with pale furnishings and fabrics. Perhaps MATH could use the amazing photoshop skills to show this for you? :) Good luck with it.

These photos look good. It would be lovely if the tv-hearth would be on the opposite wall (and the radiator moved), so the sofa could go sideways (and not be in front of the hallway door..), but that would be quite a project. Perhaps a custom built media cabinet opposite the sofa, plus an extra chair where the tv is in the photo?

I certainly agree with the comment about making the utility room door open outwards. We had a decent sized, but fairly narrow, bathroom to renovate. The door was about halfway down the long side and making the door open outwards made all the difference. So far as your supporting pole is concerned, this might be of interest - take a look at the final photo where the pillar has been boxed in with mirrors. It could be a stylish solution, unless your kitchen is a Farmhouse style or similar of course! https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/how-to-work-around-a-structural-pillar-in-your-kitchen-extension-stsetivw-vs~76437319