Its worth talking to lots of people/places, last year I had at least six design and quotes for my large open plan kitchen and living area. Quotes varied between £9k-£24k (after negotiation) and designs were in the main very boring. The best one that had the most different ideas that really worked for us was from Ikea. You just need somebody who has imagination and listens to you, about how you use the space and respects your likes and dislikes, sometimes that person is in the most unlikely place. Keep going until you are happy, you don't need to pay a fortune either.

Hi, do you have any photos or illustrations that you can share on here?

It's quite a small space so I would suggest that the pendants are no larger than 200mm diameter. Ensure downlights are centered over worktops and a good rule of thumb for a kitchen with standard ceiling heights is 1.5m's apart. Linear LED tape for under cupboard lighting - around 12watts/m will provide ample light and this could be complimented with the same lighting on top of the units. If within budget, pendants on switch A, Downlights B and Linear LED switch C - all on dimmers. Kitchens

It's a tough one, leather may be a safer option. What do you think of this rug with it, might also go nicely with the first rust stool I posted (the stool also comes with black legs)? West elm have a sale on ATM, think it's 20% off if you spend £500 and 30% off > £1000 so might be worth a look, not sure when the sale ends as it's been on a few days