To me it sounds like you will move as you don’t love the house (this was us a year ago- our home ticked every box but I just didn’t love it. We ended up moving). If you are considering moving then personally I would leave the layout as it is and save your money for your next house. If you are planning on making it your long term home then I’d do a side extension to really maximise its potential. Maybe talk to an estate agent about what would add value to help you development decide?

Since you’re looking for rental-friendly solutions, here are a few ideas on how to seamlessly extend your kitchen into the dining area using furniture, while maintaining a bright, open feel. 1. A kitchen island or bar cart could serve as an excellent transition piece between your kitchen and dining room. If space allows, a small island with seating can act as both extra counter space for cooking and a social spot for guests. Choose an island that complements the aesthetic of both spaces, and keep it on wheels for easy mobility. If you’re really tight on space, a slim bar cart can also work as a portable prep station. 2. If you have enough wall space, adding open shelving can create a sense of flow between the two areas. This will allow you to store kitchen essentials within reach of the dining area, and the open shelves help maintain a feeling of openness and light. You can use decorative items like plants, glassware, or cookbooks to keep it aesthetically pleasing and functional. 3. Consider adding a foldable dining table or a buffet-style console table against the edge of the kitchen. This can serve as additional prep space when needed, or as a serving area during dinner parties. When not in use, you can fold it away or keep it neatly tucked against the wall to avoid crowding the room. 4. One of the best ways to make the two areas feel connected is by creating a cohesive color scheme that flows from the kitchen into the dining room. If your kitchen is small, consider keeping it light and bright with soft tones like white, light gray, or pale pastels. In the dining area, carry through complementary colors in your furniture, textiles, and accessories to create a natural visual link. 5. In a smaller kitchen, it’s essential to use the vertical space effectively. Consider tall storage units or floating shelves that don’t take up floor space but still provide plenty of room for utensils, pantry items, or even decorative elements. This will help keep your kitchen organized without overcrowding it. 6. Since you’re trying to blend the kitchen and dining areas, rugs can help define the spaces without creating a stark divide. A stylish rug in the dining area can add warmth and comfort, while also visually extending the space. Just be mindful of choosing a rug that’s easy to clean and maintain, given that you're cooking in the area. 7. Good lighting can really help tie the two spaces together. A statement pendant light or chandelier over the dining area can anchor the room, while under-cabinet lighting or wall-mounted sconces in the kitchen can help maintain the flow of light. Soft, ambient lighting will ensure the space doesn’t feel too closed off or dark, and the shared lighting can make the kitchen feel like it’s part of the larger dining area. 8. Bringing in some plants or greenery can also create a natural flow between the kitchen and dining room. Small plants on the countertops or hanging planters can provide an organic link between the two spaces, and plants can also help soften the boundaries between functional and decorative areas. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions!

We need to see the floorplan. If you have posted it it hasn't come through yet.

Hi Phillipa, it’s a bit tight to fit all your requirements for 7 people. Would need to know more about how you plan to use the space daily. Are you all watching TV together? Do you have breakfast and dinner together or mainly on weekends and holidays? Do you cook frequently? Do you have enough storage elsewhere? Here is an idea to fit your wishlist into this space. You can increase the table seating or the lounging/TV watching area , or combine both into an informal lounging and eating space.