Thanks all very much for your comments. I just looked at your link carolins for striped carpets, they are all fab but are ALL vertical. Has anyone ever seen horizontal ones? It would be a very expensive mistake to make if it didn't work out, especially here in Ireland as all home decor items are overpriced. Need to paint the dark stairwell too, no bannisters, just wall. Would love to be adventurous with colour but always seem to stick with the 'safe' neutral options.

I would move the table to the window end of the room for view out and light while you eat . Perhaps turn it 90 degrees if that would work with the door opening. You may be able to seat 4. Make the rest of the right hand wall - about half of it a floor to ceiling wall of built in storage including the fridge. Suggest deep drawers for lower and double door pantry cupboards sitting above. The left hand wall in a long line of counter top with the cooker, sink, washing machine, lower cupboards or drawers. Tile backsplash along whole wall and two long open shelves plus art. Definitely replace the flooring - timber or even black and white checkerboard.

Hi ...Zaz I am not sure what went on here in Houzz .... While I have been away ..(sneezing coughing sweating) Whatever it was Move on from it !! as best you can ... Otherwise these things eat away at you ... And being on a downer that's not good for anyone ..........including you .... You have a Talent truly you do Lots see it ...... Even if you can't ....... So Put it toooooo good use If not for yourself ........ Then for others so they might enjoy it Seeing others smile from Something you have done Is gift.... I know I love toooooo Give that gift of a smile ..... Be it from writing or resisting my Poems Playing my little ukuele Painting So dust yourself off there's work toooooooo be done :@) Get your a@£& In that kitchen ... Today is the start of a new and better year ...... Of which only You Can make happen !!

I feel in a situation like this, I would not add windows with no view that would probably end up with some type of coverings a great deal of the time. My situation would be use of mirrors to reflect available light back into room. Mirror could be styled to look like Windows etc. we have a similar situation in our kitchen, and we mirrored over the sink, and created two faux windows using mirror and drapery side pannels. The effect works great, and when you add the right lighting the effect is wonderful, day and night. Take a good look and visualize day and night views creating with mirrors designed into a "today" style and look.