Move the stairs so they run alongside the utility wall - replacing the bathroom space. Then you get a hall from the front entry giving direct access to the kitchen. Hall storage can fit under the stairs near the kitchen. Upstairs, I would utilise the old stairwell and landing as ensuite and walk through wardrobe for the master bedroom., if you can sort out drainage ( you may be able to run it down to the downstairs hall and box it out) Expand the old w/c into a bathroom - you may be able to extend the bathroom over the stairwell a bit, if the downstairs stud is high enough. I've attached a picture, but I can't get it to show big unless you click on it....

Hi Lynsay, Most stairwells and staircases, halls and landings have little natural light. The best way to brighten up is to paint in Brilliant White colour, ceilings and walls. Good strong bulbs help too:) Moreover, these rooms are "high traffic" areas and walls get finger tips, coat marks, bicycle scuffs, etc., so using washable paint is good idea, and that is for two reasons; fist one - it's washable, so whenever needed wipe clean, low cost maintenance; the second reason - washable paint is shiny, e.g. Vinyl Silk or Diamond Eggshell, Durable. Shiny means it reflects light! Another advantage of white colour is that it enlarge any room. However, all white could become boring with time, so hanging art here and there would help. Art is personal. You could create great art wall using your own memories by creating photo gallery. Remember, we live in digital 21st century and photos doesn't come is one small size, like it was 30 years ago. You could even print a vinyl/canvas to cover entire wall, but this is the most expensive option. Feature wall, or walls, could be another idea. And this is meant by either painting in different colours or wallpapering. Here you could go pastel or strong colours - see one of our completed projects, where you will find it painted green.For more pictures on this project see here on Houzz. Whatever you decided to do it is important that all features work together. So finally, use the floor to add live/energy/comfort - whatever desired. It may cost little extra to install appropriate carpet, or to paint floor boards, but think about the end result! Hopefully you will find this piece of advise clever enough. Good luck with the project! Paintforme Ps. If you are London based and need further help you could give us a call and we could assist in design and execution.

Hi, As a plasterer I'd just like to add that you may have to get the artex tested for asbestos before removing. Don't be tempted to do it yourself just incase! Ask your builder/plasterer how he intends to remove it to check his knowledge. Products can. ow be bought that are painted on and these soften it enabling it to be scraped off easily. Also be prepared to lose up to 150mm down from your existing ceiling depending on how it's specified to be insulated. You'll need a gap between your tiles and felt and the new insulation (this will prevent moisture tracking to the new plaster) then insulation between the roof timbers and then a layer of insulation covering all of this. Then you will have the plasterboard screwed into the timber. I hope I haven't put you off the whole idea now. Good luck with the project!

You can get motion sensor lights that you could put up the stairs to make it a bit brighter or a pendant light if that's possible to fit?