Hi there, We recently reconfigured our downstairs as part of a complete renovation and have to say that having a professional on board was a life saver! We used Gina from Create Perfect (above) and she helped us work out how to configure the space to work best for our life. For what you'll spend on the building work and / or a new kitchen you'll probably be very pleasantly surprised by the cost (hundreds rather than thousands) A good designer will come up with 3D images of different layouts and configurations and from there you can pick your favourites and get them to take them a step further so you end up with 3D renders and also YouTube videos of 'walk arounds' in the space, so you can see exactly how the space would look and feel. Here's a few from ours if it helps... we're not finished but it does show how much Gina helped us with a vision to take three separate rooms through to a new layout for our downstairs (we have a separate lounge not included) Separate rooms to start with and a floorplan I was brain dead from looking at... The 3D pics we had to help from our designer... And a few of how it looks so far (lots still to do and most of the furniture still missing / makeshift at the moment but you'll get the idea) Without the help of a professional designer in deciding the new layout goodness knows what we'd have ended up with! There's only so many times you can look at a floor plan and try and imagine how it will all turn out! Good luck whatever you decide- sounds like an exciting project

Hi, What a lovely room! Love the windows and the ceiling height. I would go for a sofa and chair(s) on legs (swooneditions), so you can see the floor under it. Perhaps a wooden/LVT woodlook floor; herringbone or laid widthwise, both will make the room look wider. An eye catching chandelier (westelm) would be great. If you're brave, you could lay a rug widthwise, from under the sofa to the wall opposite. I'd probably go for a small round dining table (this one is 100 cm, John Lewis)

Hi there - practically I would recommend the dining table nearest to the kitchen, but also it is worthwhile taking a few moments to think about your lifestyle - if you entertain a lot then its the most practical - guests can sit at the table whilst you cook/chat etc. similarly if you have kids they can do their homework and feel part of the family. Do you want to read on the sofa and look out at the garden or is the only time you are on the sofa to watch tv?.....We have a knocked through kitchen diner - the kids ended up doing all their homework at the breakfast bar, which we never envisaged! So actually living in the space can make you change your mind. But also the way we have arranged the space has changed as the kids have grown up and their/our interests have changed - so nothing need be set in stone, perhaps buy tables/sofas therefore that can fit in either space, can be moved for different occasions, gatherings etc.

I like Vera's designs. Tucking the table away against the wall when you are not entertaining is a great way to increase space in the room for the rest of the time. I also think an extending table could help you a lot - so you can shrink it down when you are not entertaining. I would also advise against a farmhouse table, as they usually have very chunky legs! In a small space I always advise a table with legs which are recessed under the table top, a bit like the one below from trusty old JL (though it is a bit big for your needs). It's much easier for people to get in and out as you are not 'trapped' by the legs. https://www.johnlewis.com/matthew-hilton-for-case-cross-8-14-seater-extending-dining-table-oak/p3161810 You don't mention if this is where you dine the rest of the time as well, or if it is just for entertaining. That will affect what you should prioritise - if you are only entertaining in here and you have another place to eat in the kitchen that will make a difference. You could also try made.com for small furniture - I have a small living room/kitchen and got both my sofa and a chaise from there 3 or 4 years ago and the dimensions are great for the room.