Does the chimney breast not go all the way up?, because the plans don't quite line up. Another consideration is are you able to move plumbing and drainage to the opposite side of the house, and regardless of budget, wanting to deal with that kind of upheaval? Of course, the obvious thing is to make the ground floor extension into one room, but I think little adjustments like lining up the inner entrance hall and opening that up would be a minimal approach to making a big difference. Here is my pop at it, but trying to not move services too far or move supporting points (of course still needs new larger lintels or more, but basically in the same places). I just moved living areas to places that the natural light already serves... and no dark corridors added.

I have a probably unpopular suggestion... unless you're happy with an end design.. could you either do it in stages (I appreciate living in a building site is Never ideal) So knock out the chimneys and open up the space, but not pull out the kitchen etc. Give you a bit of time to see the space and be able to move your sofa/dining table around to try and work out what would work best in reality? Or postpone the project slightly to give yourselves the time to finalise a layout you're truly happy with +/- using OnePlan? I agree tho, realistically with that layout its stools or the sofa! Also I wondered whether the outside store space off the lean to, could be made accessible from the hallway? And then could that be the utility cupboard? Then you could use that bottom bit in your kitchen for tall units/larder cupboard/pantry/FF etc

Put in some good task lighting in the kitchen, dining (over the table) and sitting area in the form of pendants, led spots strategically placed in specific areas a few lamps in the sitting area (on a 5amp switch so centrally controlled and all dimmable to manage the mood 🤗) and a few strategically placed mirrors. The floor colour and wall colour will also impact how light the space feels so perhaps lighter finishes would work.

Hi Katie, I'd love to help you mum with redesigning her forever home. While a £30-40k budget may be a bit low to allow for an architect to deliver a full architectural service I can help her get the design right with my sketch design package. You can find out more about that here: https://www.i-architect.co.uk/bpp.html Best wishes with your home redesign! Jane award winning chartered architect eco-home and conservation area specialist www.i-architect.co.uk For helpful videos watch my YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@iarchitect