Hi Coopz, I feel your frustration. There are so many options and so many directions this could go. It is completely natural you are struggling with a layout. We as trained architectural designers often struggle with the layouts. It is not your job to come up with a solution. It is a task of your hired professional. Focus on identifying your pain points. Make a list of what works and what doesn't. Think about how you use the space and where it is serving you well and where it is not. This should not be a copy and paste job but a good tailored design that satisfy needs of your family for now and considers your needs in the future. You will need to hire professional to solve these problems. Hiring an architectural designer with specialist skills may sound like and extravagance, but we have the vital knowledge and information required to assess the space you live in and maximise the potential of your home. With the right person, you will get out a lot more than you pay for in fees. They will add tones of value and they will also help you to allocate budget correctly. Don't under estimate the importance of this process. You cannot afford not to do this. I hope that helps. Best Wishes Suzanne & Joseph

You absolutely need to consult an architect, generally they will give you an hours free consultation on site and then let you know what they would charge fore for plans. However note you are not under any obligation to use them and you can consult with as many architects as you wish. Once you have sensible plans you then need to consider the full specification, lighting, sockets etc so that you can provide building companies with the same detailed information outlining your requirements to ensure that you then receive like for like quotes. Also prior to starting any works I would consult with local estate agents to get their opinion on what additional value the changes you are proposing may add to your property so that you can be certain that you will get a return on your investment.

Hello there - how exciting for you. This will look lovely! Ok so I suspect you will already have thought this through but have you considered adding units to the other side of the kitchen and then once the wall is removed you can have seating down to the left by the bi-folds and a table to the right. If room is tight then you could use banquette seating for the 'wall side' of the table. There are all sorts of ways of incorporating the seating/cabinetry along that wall too that could make a real feature of it! Alternatively you run the table off a short return where the existing sink is: Or finally you keep the kitchen layout as is but back a built in bench/table to the right hand side and add a sofa to the left hand side of the room. I hope that helps? I love a layout conundrum! Also another tip (which I am sure you have tried) but grab some masking tape and tape it all out on the floor to see what works for you best!. Thanks

Thank you I like your idea. One thing I had considered is having a large pantry (smaller than the play / office) you have drawn then a small seating area at the side of the kitchen. The living room would be a play / family room and u would open uo the dinning room and what you have marked as the lobby.