fireplace query.. photo didn't attach last time ..

If it was mine, I would get three different quotes from builders who have actually visited the site first.

Yes, it is very white - it has photographed very stark - but as you have indicated you like color, am wondering what color you have in your furniture? The photo's show that the blue rug and color framed prints stand out brilliantly against the white, so thinking you may find your furniture brings in color. The white does seem to help the kitchen at the end get some light, rather than being a dark area. It might be worth getting your furniture there to see what it does in the space, and then consider your wall color. You may just need to go for a warmer white to soften the space.

You have a good entry to work with, it needs to welcome you home! A hall table to plonk down the keys, a bowl to put them in, a mirror or maybe a large print above and a rug that will do heavy duty.... so some ideas. I've leaned towards darker woods for the warmth that it gives as I'm making the assumption that paint and flooring are not able to be changed. Of course, it these 2 elements are open to change - well, the world is your oyster as they say!