we have a cloakroom where the countertop is very narrow, just 23 cm in width. we want a luxury looking basin but there are hardly any that are of that size. we are thinking of getting a countertop basin which will overhang the top and the one we like has width of 35 cm. will it look odd? the basin will match the rest of the cloakroom and is exquisite.

It is probably better to keep to one height in the sink corner, for all the above reasons. This time round I'm going free-standing. I discovered one height all round affects my shoulders - the worktops are too high for my height and different jobs (eg mixing, bread making, carving, chopping) and it seems there's a standard height just to fit the appliances underneath. My current, old, about-to-be-redone kitchen served its purpose but practically didn't work so well. So this time I'm including working heights that suit me, not the designer \ trader.

Sorry, I realise there’s some ambiguity here, over what we mean by ‘centre’. As Isla says, the handles should be on the strongest part of the door and not on the centre of the panels. But to easily open bifold doors the handles also need to be on the door frames near the central fold on each door as your husband suggests.

Thank you for sharing your renovation plans and the accompanying photo. Here are some suggestions: 1. Open Shelving Unit (Your Idea) Pros: - Adds lightweight visual interest and additional storage for decorative items or cookbooks. - Can complement modern or Scandinavian styles with materials like metal or glass. - Maintains a clean look without interfering with the window's functionality. Cons: - May not fully utilize the space; the gap might still feel underused or fragmented. 2. Extended Countertop with Panelling (Partner's Idea) Pros: - Seamless and cohesive finish that visually anchors the kitchen to the window area. - Maximizes countertop space for practical use. - Panelling can be matched to the cabinetry for a unified aesthetic or made contrasting for a bold statement. Cons: - Risk of the countertop looking awkward where it meets the glass. - May need custom blinds or solutions to maintain privacy without interfering with the extended surface. Alternative Solutions: 1. Extend Countertop with a Slim Cabinet or Low Shelf Combine the countertop extension with a slim base cabinet that stops short of the glass. This way, you gain additional storage without the countertop directly touching the window. 2. Built-In Window Bench Instead of extending the kitchen countertop all the way, convert the gap into a cosy seating area with a built-in bench below the window. It can double as storage with hidden compartments while maintaining privacy with blinds or curtains. 3. Floating Shelves Above Extended Countertop Extend the countertop as your partner suggested, but add a couple of floating shelves on the wall above the extended section. These shelves can hold plants or decorative objects, softening the visual transition between the kitchen and the windows. Privacy Solutions: 1. Blinds Opt for sleek, minimalistic roller blinds or Venetian blinds that can be adjusted for privacy without adding bulk. 2. Frosted Window Film If the lower part of the glass is a concern, you could apply frosted film to provide privacy while still allowing light to filter in. Final Recommendation - For a balanced approach, extend the countertop but ensure the edge nearest the glass has a slight setback (e.g., 5–10 cm) to avoid direct contact. - Use a matching or contrasting panel for the side to create a tailored look. - Consider combining this with open shelving above the extended section for a layered, functional aesthetic. - Choose either modern roller blinds or frosted film for privacy while preserving the visual openness of the window. Would you like visual references or sketches to help with visualization? Warm regards, Oraanj Interior Design