Are you saying that cooking next to the chute would gross you out even if its covered? Andd to use it for its intended purpose? In the first picture, it looks like the stove is directly underneath the chute, but I can see in other pics that it is not. I think it is far enough away. If everything is bagged properly, it shouldn't be that bad. You will have to check on local code regarding having the stove next to the window. Code may make your decision for you. People usually just put shorter cabinets above that type of range hood. I would recommend doing so because you need all the storage you can get. The hood--being different from the bank of cabinets--will provide relief to the eye. With cabinets above, it'll still feel balanced. And, as for covering the chute, do you want to cover it and restrict access or do you still need to use it for its intended purpose and just want to camouflage it? To help the room feel pleasant, cheery, and light, I recommend using a glass tile. Even though it's applied to a wall, the translucency still shows and evokes a sense of the adjectives above. I think it would help keep things light. Consider a slightly higher toe-kick underneath the lower cabinets. It helps to create a lighter-footed feeling. You could also consider cabinets that have furniture style feet. for a more open feeling. Your kitchen seems like an ideal room to use modern, lacquered cabinets. I don't know if you like the super-modern look, but I think it could be nice. Maybe just for the uppers. Use a medium-to-light toned wood on the bottom. A limestone floor might be nice. Or you can do wood or laminate. You could go with dark or light. I think it's mostly about preference.

I agree with Carolyn - a new coat of paint can make a world of difference. There's really not too much about the house that 'screams' a certain decade - so you're luckier than lots of us. I hate that teracotta colour on the gable ends personally, and I think that would be good to paint out. I would consider painting al the bits that are currently white a darker more serious colour (grey, taupe etc) and then paint the trim and the entry ceiling white. Also consider painting the roof - as it is a big element and teracotta tile colour doesn't always work with your colour scheme. If you want to make some more permanent changes, you could consider filling in the gable roof lines so they become box gables - and I agree with Carolyn that the entrance roof looks like it is missing a column on the left side.

Artificial turf! The green (they come in different colours, too, if you'd like to be psychedelic) adds a lively pop of colour to a blah space, and they're designed in easy-to-install tile-style units that have some built-in drainage for minimal maintenance. Absolut Outdoors and Green Turf can tell you more :) And I'd hang an outdoor art piece or a screen for air plants on that blank wall, too, to enliven your balcony.

Hello, In 3 years time, you need to put back the wall since u have a 9 yrs old Son hitting teenager and expect own space or your girl would prefer her private space as girl and part of build self-respected lady. Beginning putting them together helps build bond and family strength. Best to start building independence early, makes your parenting easier. Build a home rather than a house. A space is meant to build relationship. With your family size, I would not suggest breaking wall. Extend living room, best is extending into balcony by creating same levels as living room. Now got zip blinds which seal aircon space within balcony open to living. Having glass showcase is good for your toys display. See idea from Ikea. For your new home starting, get basic done prosper. Basic means the essentials. For other parts, take your time and enjoy finding more ideas and shopping around till the great feeling comes to u. If not sure, I think Ikea has many combinations so if u do not like after few years, easy to do make-over. Expensive furniture is too painful to change. Ha! More space for bedroom? use the folding type beds and double as study table. I use platform bed like Japanese room. For Long dining tables, there are extendable type when guests comes. Ikea comes cheapest. There are premium in other Malls. Get extra chair that is stackable not foldable, hurt kids fingers and takes space. Have fun!