Hello Edele,

Well one way to maximise space is to reconsider the appliance aspect. So for example you could have a free standing range oven.. which will have hob and oven in 1 piece. This could give you much more space to play with, so possibly you might want a double height fridge, which would be best placed to go at the other end.. The other thing you could easily do is take out those shelves above the worktop and instead have a row of shelving on the rear wall..

Then you could have a row of cabinets all along the top. This gives a slightly different feel to the kitchen, making it more streamlined but also potentially offering you more storage space.. Re positioning the cabinets and painting them can also achieve a new look whilst using what you have.. Replacing the handles with touch/open mechanism hinges on the inside also gives the cupboards a really stylish appearance and nickel or brass (depending on colour of cabinet door) cup handle for the drawers... .

If you were to take away the armchair.. you may be able to move along the table a little, add two chair to the head of the table to seat 6 and then at the other end on the far wall (where I suggested some shelving) have a butchers block or table for additional food prep... It could have wheels so you could use it when dining for serving and so forth..

: ))