The trouble with all these modern hard smooth surfaces and clean lines is you do get a great deal of reverberation and echoe whilst soft furnishing like curtains rugs and cushions will help to a degree the best thing you can do is get Acoustic panelling or padding you can get it in a form as a canvass and have your own picture photo or any digital print, so it wouldn't look out of place but would absorb the sound no one would ever know. There are several companies that can help you but take a look at http://www.soundservice.co.uk/prices_live.php#photosorptions their prices are reasonable and on the site so you have an immediate idea of cost implications. I hope this was helpful. Kind regards Barbara

Hi, your kitchen looks beautiful! came across threads as we too are currently debating diy kitchens cashmere or light grey, we have ordered cashmere and started to have doubts that it would be too dark. Though looking at yours I'm reassured again! I just wondered what wood worktop/and poss stain you have chosen? We looked at a solid wood oak but i thought it looked a bit yellowy. (fab choice on floor too)

😂 You're welcome I'm just putting your ideas together in one place! I used the walnut table but as I said before I think it may need a rug against the dark floor but see what you think. The rug size may be do'able (8x10), you would need to tape it out when you're in the house so it doesn't encroach on the bar stool area. I have zero photoshop skills so just chose a rug I could edit in but just to give you an idea (Although obviously the table is the wrong way round!). Maybe have the clock over the table to zone it and bounce some light and some marble and brass shelves would look great by the breakfast bar?

Very nice room! I agree with Minnie and would go for a lighter rug. What do you think of these from La Redoute? Wool can shed for quite a while though, but is also stain resistant (up to a point) https://www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-350191382.aspx?docid=873220#shoppingtool=treestructureflyout&srt=noSorting&facets=size809_24_99900004:large%20(up%20to%20l240cm)|size820_32_99900005:extra%20large%20(up%20to%20l380cm)&shoppingtool=treestructureflyout&pgnt=2 and https://www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-350097201.aspx?docid=873220#shoppingtool=treestructureflyout&srt=noSorting&facets=size809_24_99900004:large%20(up%20to%20l240cm)|size820_32_99900005:extra%20large%20(up%20to%20l380cm)&shoppingtool=treestructureflyout Alternatively, you could stick special felt thingies (technical term) under the feet of the dining chairs to prevent them scratching the floor.