Hi Kevin sounds like an interesting project! Re the lighting I would use layers so that you have the opportunity to create different environments from low level lighting to task lighting. installing 5 amp sockets for lamps would be great for the seating areas , then strategically placing downlights over the sofa areas for more specific task lighting. I can see there is a large wall space in the social area which might be a good place to add in art or photos which could bit lit from over head using downlights on its own circuit. I hope this helps and we look forward to seeing the pics once its finished.

Maybe some more pics from different angles would help too. I'd put a tree back to hide the view of your patio area from the house opposite. As you don't want to block light, something light and airy, but a great grower like Eucalyptus would be excellent. It would give the illusion of privacy without the density of growth and of course they're evergreen. Possibly a line of fruit trees in a raised bed with lower level planting at the bottom, they will have blossom in the spring, leaves in the summer, but will not block light in the winter. A nice bright patio to the bottom to sit in your sunny spot? (Excuse the crude mock up, but you get the idea )

Unless this flat is to be a family home - or you're planning to throw lavish dinner parties, I would seriously consider how much storage you actually need, and perhaps start from what you need, rather than how much you can fit in. The ideas of a u shaped kitchen and a sliding door to the living room I think will optimise your space, and I'm thinking a sideboard in the living room would store your table crockery and cutlery, again reducing what needs to be in the kitchen. Looks like a lovely flat - hope you really enjoy doing it. A last minute thought - you can often get ex display units from top kitchen shops very reasonably priced.

final photos of flooring. pretty happy with it. Karndean Korlok Texas White Ash in case anyone was googling for an example of this. I found it hard to find people who had used this product. hybrid vinyl that clicks and lays over existing tiles or hard floor