Yes, JudyG that's exactly the way people were using the taller table. Sort of a café look, or casual bar setting. One home had a beautiful huge kitchen all done in white with dark wood floors and RH style fixtures and hardware. Where you would normally think would be a traditional dining room, they had made it up with a large high table and 6 barstools. It almost looked like an extension of the island. Another one was in a very open and light kitchen. It was smaller and where you might think of putting a breakfast nook they had a round café-style table with four barstools. I liked it because it gave a more casual appearance. If people were sitting at them, they were on the same level as those working in the kitchen. Almost like a bar at the island for that effect, but with some separation.

Tsilanko, I would always recommend professional installation where needed. But what I am doing here is suggesting that WHEN you are planning to build or renovate, to consider how your plans will affect you in 20 or 30 years time. Split levels are very hep when you are young. A kitchen 3 steps down at 30 is rarely a problem, but might be a hazard at 60, or, as Marjie1059 suggested, if you break a leg. ... All my parents' homes were terrible for old people. They were forced to move to a bungalow in extreme old sge because the location and design of their home was more suitable for an active young couple with a large family than for an elderly couple with stroke disabilities. I would not want to move again, so my present home has features built in that make ageing in place simpler. Mostly small changes, like grab rails, and lever handles on doors and faucets. A major disability suddenly suffered requires major changes if permanent. I did look at this because it came up in the discussion, but if you look at the heading, Planning for Disability, it means just that. Plan ahead so you don't have to make expensive changes later on. But thank you for your advice, yes, major changes are not in the DIY domain.

Hi Rorli, I hope you are doing well. Congratulations on the space! The best way to cozy up a space, without spending a lot is through - Art - I feel the Giant picture on the wall is substracting from the space rather than adding to it. You can replace it with something beautiful that you like and/ or a medium sized framed mirror - This will reflect all that beautiful light in your apartment and make it more spacious. You can add a wall hanging in the empty wall space near the bar area. Rugs - A giant rug which accomodates bothe th sofas rather than just the coffee table. This will also make the room look bigger. However, It is important to buy a plain or maximum two tone rug for this effect to work. If buying a rug with lots of detail, please buy it in a lighter color. Cushions - Lost of colorful fluffy cushions in various shapes and textures and a couple of throws wil help balance out the beigeyness of the sofas. Lighting - Adding fairylights in the balcony and a couple of tall lamps in corners will help too. If you can, replace the central light with a chandelier of your choice. Plants - A few indoor plants add that homey feeling while having the added bonus of supplying oxygen. You can also opt for fake plants, if you don't want to buy real ones. Common color scheme - This is the most important aspect because even after buying new furniture, it may not look good if everything is mis-matched. To make the room feel more spacious, you can shift the light in the corner next to sofa, after removing the sofa from the corner a bit. You can also just replace the single seater with a luxurious Armchair of your choice , tilted to face the tv and put the small table next to it to turn it into a viewing area/ reading nook. Above - Blue/ white color scheme works very well with plants. Monochrome neutral color scheme with pillows and throws. If you need any more ideas or help, feel free to contact me. Hope this helps!

contemporary designs work well with open plan kitchen dining and living