The Persian rug is lovely. We have several (sitting room, study, hall, bedroom ..... they're a bit addictive), with fabric using a couple of the colours in each for stuff like cushions, curtains etc. with neutral walls. I agree with minnie about the patterns. To get the right colour combinations, at a reasonable price, you could find a company that does a range with the colour or colours you're looking for and then look for remnants on ebay, to get them at bargain prices. That's worked well for us. Stuff like this:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Schumacher-Curtain-Fabric-PASHA-PAISLEY-2m-POMEGRANATE-100-WOOL-/322509242456?hash=item4b170c8058:g:DwsAAOSw42JZAwWm And if you're looking for another rug to complement the one you've got, www.carpetu2.co.uk has a massive range on-line, at better prices than I've been able to find here. They're actually in Greece, but don't charge for shipping, which is very fast.

It looks like the little kitchen area has now gone so I would create a booth style seating area in that space. The piano I would then put at an angle in the other nook facing into the room as a feature corner. The rest of the seating would then be in the main central area. I think ultimately this depends on the budget you now have to finish the room, whether lighting can be changed to incorporate some features and task lighting/pendants. Have you considered having a designer look at the space? I work remotely and include lighting, layout and accessorising in my PDF remote designs. As you already have the wall colour and flooring sorted this you would be surprised how affordable the price is :) best of luck. It's looking great so far.

i think it's nice to have some statement chairs around a table

Ok so all the windows and doors that area shown are existing and you can't change them? This helps. You still have plenty of options. You could create a bank of wall units against the wall to the stairs and have a really large island unit parallel to that with the dining table next to the sliding doors, again parallel. If there's not quite enough depth in the room then you could have an island unit that is kitchen units to one side and is actually a bench to the dining table to the other side. This would mean no breakfast bar, but might make better use of the space. Having plenty of space to move around is also important. I would usually have a bigger width between worktops in a galley type kitchen (even where one half of the galley layout is an island). 1100-1200mm is a more comfortable depth than 900mm, especially if there is going to be more than 1 person using it. Or if I'm suggesting it is the route between the stairs and the door. One thing to note - you should check building regs regarding fire escape requirements if you're changing your layout to make the escape route from the upper floors come down the stairs via this open plan room containing your kitchen. Kitchens are a fire hazard area, so you will definitely need to make sure you have adequate smoke detection but you may also need to take other measures, depending on the full picture of the escape requirements. For example you might need to fit a sprinkler system. I can't advise you on this because I don't know enough about the rest of the house, but I suggest you check this before you carry out the work. You don't want to be putting you and your family's life at risk in the event of a fire. As an alternative, although additional cost, alteration you could turn your stair so that it ends in the hall (depending on head-height) - remove the issue of escape through the kitchen, and this would also create more space in the bay window, which looks like a lovely space to add a couple of chairs and a small coffee table, or the dining table. Hope this helps Jane www.i-architect.co.uk