Hi Gilluan I think either could work but it depends on the layout of your new room. if there is a distinct divide between the two spaces then you can separate the floor coverings. It certainly makes the living area feel warmer and more cosy if you have wooden flooring in that space. Equally a tiled floor is far more practical in a kitchen. I hope that helps, it's difficult to offer any more advice without seeing your plans or a photograph. Good luck!

A few things I would change from experience...instead of a single and double door I would spend the extra money and put in a bifold corner section...would open up the space so much more. as for the kitchen...completely flip your design...put your breakfast bar closer to the window...make it large and multipurpose with the hob in it and then put your main band of cabinets either left, right or behind? We have recently restructured our existing cabinets to this layout and put in new countertops and it works far better than before!

If you are worried about the hallway being dark why not have a fully glazed door into the open plan area at this bottom of the stairs. This would allow you to see straight through the house when you walk in the front door and make the hallway feel much brighter and less closed in?

We are getting a media unit made for the back wall of our living room similar to the below pic but painted in off white. I have attached 3 pics of our living room, unit is being built on wall where tv is currently. We will be removing the green unit beside the sofa. Can someone please advise the optimum furniture layout for the room with the new built in unit and should we remove the centre ceiling light?