Kitchen design looks great! I'm pretty sure we can offer some expertise on Lighting for your consideration. Firstly totally agree with you partner that a grid of recessed light looks a tad boring. If you do opt for recessed a more modern and practical way to use them would be to use them in a row against your high cabinets, just in front of them. This will not only show off your featured cabinets but also bring some much needed light to the ovens and in cupboards. I'd urge that you do have lights above the peninsular. Take your point that you don't want to block out the view or features but smaller pendants in a row are good, https://www.lightingcompany.co.uk/original-btc-fin-natural-white-bone-china-pendant-with-braided-flex-p11330 maybe glass so they are not to heavy and solid looking. https://www.lightingcompany.co.uk/the-lighting-collection-empire-ceiling-pendant-with-antique-brass-suspension-and-clear-glass-shade-p10433 If you looked at the website? You may notice we are running a sale just over Easter weekend, if timing is right for your project, it could be a good time to bag a bargain! If not sign up for the newsletters as we'll let you know when there's promotions or discounts available. Also you will get a FREE quarterly magazine sent to you inbox. This is the copy of the latest https://issuu.com/lighting-uk/docs/into_the_light_spring_2017/1?ff=true&e=8047055/45589588 You'll find lots of inspiration in here. If you just fancy chatting it through you project with one of our experts, we have a chat function on the website LightingCompany.co.uk which is really simple to use or email sales@lightingcompany.co.uk As far as positioning task lights should go above tables countertops etc. If you have recessed place them just in front of you tall cabinets groups of 3 or 5 in a straight row. If you can switch different circuits separately, if you can't use dimmer switches where possible. Stick to a common theme between you lights e.g.: same colour metal or similar style but they do not need to be all the same. In a larger open plan area different lighting help things look interesting and zone the area's. Above you table you'll need a light but if the light hangs in front of the TV that will not be so good, reflections will drive you crazy. You didn't mention ceiling height but we do have lights for the tallest and shortest ceilings. Do speak to us, we do so much that may interest you, we have thousands of options and can even make lights in your choice of colour, maybe to match the colour of your kitchen? What an exciting project and a chance to be creative with you lighting, you are doing the right thing thinking about alternative to a grid of spotlights. Did this help or not really? Good Luck with it all and remember we are happy to help. Contact us.

Jonny Brighton - some more questions, what is the main purpose of your island? Will it be used for preparing dinner etc? The panel doors to the lounge, is that an existing opening or is that going to be new? Where is your fridge? Will all 4 sides of the table always be used the same time? ( You could place it aside nearer one of the walls if the dining table is not fully seated all the time ). It really depends on what your priorities and how you see yourself using the area. We're going to start a similar project too, similar size to yours but our kitchen area will be where your kids space/living space is and our living space towards the garden end. I orginally wanted an island too as they look good but I also wanted a huge dinner table, keep the rear extension part free from dining table, kitchen units so might decide to ditch the island and have a wide peninsular instead as 'workspace'.

I would suggest handing the FF the other way - aesthetically looks better paired with the pantry that way - and allows you to open both to see what needs to be restocked or to decide what to cook etc. Also for aesthetics, have the drawers either side of cooker both three drawers and the odd one other side of pillar as a two.

Hi! Good luck with your new home purchase! These floor plans could definitely be improved on. I recently did a facebook live giving 3 tips for assessing your floor plan to check if it's any good or not. You will find this helpful and you can watch it here: https://www.facebook.com/iarchitectUK/videos/327990864662386/ Questions that could help you decide your ground floor plan arrangements: 1. Do you want the kitchen to be in the middle of the house or would you prefer it to be closer to the garden to get more natural light and ventilation? 2. Do you need direct access from your utility room to the garden? Do you go out often to hang laundry out to air dry? Do you keep your recycling in the utility and need to take it out to bins regularly? 3. Do you want the space to be more open plan or broken plan or flexible (with large doors that slide or open between spaces so you can open them up or close them down)? 4. Where do you want direct access or views of the garden? 5. What will you do in the darker parts of the house - in the middle of the floor plan (where the kitchen is now)? (hint - watching or working at a screen can be better in these spaces because there's reduced glare) 6. How many kitchen units do you want? 7. Do you have a preferred kitchen arrangement and why do you prefer it? (for example, gallery style, U shaped, L shaped, with an island, with a peninsula, etc...) For the first floor the stairs and landing are very confused. Things to think about for the 1st floor: 1. Where are the drainage and water supply pipes running? 2. Can all the floors be lifted to the same level and the stairs simplified / altered / reduced? 3. How many bedrooms do you need? How many of these need an ensuite? How big do they need to be - for double or single beds, how much wardrobe space, with space for kids to study / makeup station or dressing table, etc...? I also have a free checklist with support emails to help with getting your project off to a good start and making the right decisions for you. You can get a copy from my website: www.i-architect.co.uk Hope this is all helpful! Jane :)