The kitchen is very tricky not knowing whether you can reuse any of the cupboards and worktop... Move the washing machine to utility and install cupboard. Move the oven to the left of where it is now. Install shelves on the back of the kitchen wall. I'd keep the dresser where it is. If you did have to get some new units maybe consider a U shaped where the bin is now, you can always mix and match. The dining table can probably be swung the other way and moved away from the wall. There's a 4ft gap between the edge of my table and base units which is fine. I'd get 2 x 2 seater sofas and have them at right angles to the fire away from the walls with a coffee table in the middle. I'd get a smaller tv, sorry.. Leave the tv on the right wall but put in a cupboard door on the left alcove to match. This does mean you can only watch TV from one sofa though. If that's a problem then try an L shaped sofa on the left hand wall if you're facing the fire. Either of these options should leave you with room for cabinets against the walls for storage. Are the windows deeps enough to use as window seats?

WOW, all great suggestion. I feel a bit redundant in any additional comments ... but I will jump in anyway ;-) Budget: how much? Where would you like you ££ to go? Lighting could really make a difference and a pendent or a wall light above the working area is both stylish and useful. how much work are you willing to take on? The external wire tracking are not particularly pretty so unless you go for a groovy industrial look as suggested by Minnie, I will try to blend them in with the scheme rather then draw attention to them. It's a compact kitchen so keeping it light as St James Interior suggested, is a good idea. Dark colours on the walls will bring them closer making the room feeling smaller. Whatever look or suggestion you go with make sure you have a plan. Write it all down, take colour swatches and samples when you go shopping and look at how things work together. It's very easy to fall in love with one item's look and discovered that it just does not go with the rest. Good planning save money! You will probably need also some shelfs for spices and hooks, light under the wall unit on the right hand side of the photo you post and maybe a dish rack by the sink. These are all elements that will be in full view and will contribute to the final look of the room. I attached a quick sketch board for inspiration. If you love one of the looks suggested by St James Interior, take your time with the purchases. Do not compromise of what you want, it may take longer to achieve it but it will be worth it. The kitchen is one of the the most used room in the house, make yourself happy! Have fun! PS. The suggested product on the image are merely a guide to give you an idea on prices. Shop around or feel free to contact me if you need any additional help.

Dear all, many thanks for your wonderful support. We are scheduled to move in Jan 12, and sorry to say, but we decided to postpone our kitchen update. It will be too much to handle for us. moving, contractors, business travel, etc. I hope that one day, sooner rather than later, I can give you a wonderful update on our kitchen remodel, incorporating some of the ideas that you contributed so generously. Until then, we will live "in the past", 1990s to be exact, and there's nothing wrong with that... I wish you all a healthy and merry holiday season! Cheers! :-)

I had a ushaped kitchen with peninsula in previous house as no room for island. I never felt stuck behind it- in fact i liked the fact that guests and kids were more likely to stay on the dining side out of my way! I now have an island as I'm stuck with the kitchen in the house we bought, and it drives me a bit crazy when there are lots of people in the kitchen as they all gather around the island and get in the way! I think your plan is pretty good except for oven position. I think it's really far from your workspace, and also I'd question the wisdom of having the oven beside the fridge? Maybe a tall larder cupboard in this position, and a range style cooker with double oven beneath? Or move the hob to the peninsula and put double oven somewhere along that wall?