Our new house is a new-build with smaller rooms and an open plan combined kitchen/dining/family room. It also has a separate snug.

I'd like some design advice about storage and furniture layout, and whether our current furnishings will work in the space. Also suggestions about colors: I have to choose kitchen cabinet colours, floor colours, and paint colours next week! Here's a floor plan of the space and a VERY rough video walk through.

little thetford · More Info

Here's a photo from another house in the same development.

little thetford · More Info

The floor plan for the kitchen/dining room/family room is slightly different & a little smaller - but gives an idea of the scale

The space needs:

• storage, storage, storage! - the kitchen is on the small side with limited storage, so I'd like to add as many cupboards/cabinets as possible.
• an electric fireplace in at least one of the rooms. I have one in my lounge currently and love it. It has underfloor heating, so no need for radiators.
• large collection of books - should these be in the open plan area or in the snug? I like the idea of a dining room library, but also like the idea of a book-lined, cozy snug.
• cookbooks (a separate collection from the regular books) - in the open plan area near the kitchen
• liquor/wine storage. Something like this would be great.

Eclectic Hall · More Info

• a small desk area in each space (ideally that can be folded or shut away when not working) Something like this if we can fit it in.

Concealed Desk Cupboard Workspace With Shelves · More Info

• a reasonable sized flatscreen tv in each room - not too big. But I hate tvs high on the wall above fireplaces.
• dvds (in snug)
• cds - on bookshelves currently, but can go into pullout drawers
• is there room for a banquette/nook?
• lighting. Above dining table, in sitting areas. Suggestions?
• 2 bar stools for overhang at end of peninsula. I'd like a stool that swivels and has a back and armrests.

Furniture I already have that can be used in the space if possible:

• Hulsta sideboard (88.5" long x 18.5" deep, 29" tall) - light wood colour (birch). I'm wondering about using it as a tv stand?

Current House · More Info

• table 70" long x 32.25' wide - light wood colour (birch?)
• six parsons chairs
• Natuzzi sectional couch - it's huge 89' x 35" sofa plus with 71" x 35" right side return (106" x 89" total length when combined). Tan/camel colour. Is it too big for these spaces?
• Would our full length curtains/pelmet work in the new space over the sliding doors? We have two sets of these in our current dining room french doors to the outdoors and our front living room.

Current House · More Info

We also have two sets of these full-length curtains in gray/blue with brown flowers.

Current House · More Info

Current House · More Info

I'm open to changing completely but if we can save money by re-using anything it would be great!

Other notes:

• We are budgeting for built-ins and I've found a talented carpenter who can build whatever we need.
• As far as colours - I like grays, camel, rust, stone. Warm neutrals. I also like some teals, blue/grays, pinks, browns, chartreuse and some greens. I like F&B Elephant's Breath but have never used it.
• I want the ceiling to be something other than white. Suggestions?
• I've always wanted to try seagrass wallpaper.
• I like L-shaped sectionals, nooks, and prefer informal, relaxed, cozy spaces. I want a peaceful, comfortable, lived-in space. I'm not a minimalist but I don't like seeing too much stuff. I like seeing books and favorite possessions but not a lot of clutter. I like shaker, Scandinavian, rustic, industrial and modern.
• The house will be shared with my husband, our 10 month old Siberian Husky puppy and a cat.

I've attempted a draft layout as a starting point, but I don't know...

little thetford · More Info

That's supposed to be a banquette between two cabinets. I was going for something like this, but I don't know if there is enough room.

Dart Studio | Roncesvalles Rowhouse · More Info

Or this, but less traditional/formal:

Dining · More Info

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!