Jen, are you sure everything is in proportion? I'm asking, because that store seems to be just a bit wider than a door (so about 1 m) which is fine, but doesn't give much space to manoeuvre inside it. Also, a bit too many doors in a small space, but I'm afraid I can't offer you a remedy for that. You have two wide, massive windows and a door in between, I think that will give plenty of light. Personally, I'd just add skylights or a glass roof. Or a long strip of glass all along What you don't seem to have is ventilation windows. Trust me, you're going to want one in the utility, or at least a good fan. Transom style windows could work too if you can open them. I really wish you'd see an architect... there are lots of different, small things that a professional can spot from miles away that you wouldn't even consider. As I said, I regret we didn't; our house is great, but it could've been even better!

A window seat would be great for storage. I would also add tall storage (in gloss white to reflect light) on either the TV wall or presumably you have an empty back wall at the moment. Maybe add a giant colourful world map mural over the sofa? Definitely add a rug. A coffee table would be good for the younger child to use for crafts etc. You could try one of the mid-century designs that are around at the moment with the painted legs so it suits both age groups. Maybe paint the desk in a brighter colour for the older child to use? Choose a paint with a satin finish rather than matt. A mirror will also help with the light. I think the key is storage though as it is a nice room already.

thanks both & sorry for not getting back sooner. Appreciate it! unfortunately, while lovely, glass panels are going to be too expensive as is upgrading the doors/walls upstairs (realistically we would have to take down all the upstairs walls and start again to make any difference). But thanks. Obviously if we do enclose it will use a glazed door at the base (the rules about the size of landing you need don't seem to be too strict here in Ireland - must have 40 cm from the base step completely free) so we are thinking door at the base of the stairs opening towards the front door. My sister in law however suggests using the entire width between the front door and the stairs as storage, fairly similar to now, but with a door opening out into the kitchen. still thinking. thanks again for your input anyway.

Hello Would anyone have experience with a similar property to ours and share their solution/knowledge? Issue We have a small Victorian cottage gable-onto-driveway with L-shaped garden. The hall door, porch is three-quarters of the way down the property. Our modest accommodation 3 bedrooms (at gable) (the double b/room currently doubles up as a playroom), sitting room, (internal/no windows) bathroom and then scullery kitchen and off that a side return ('internal' courtyard which we have nice storage outbuilding and in is also where we also grow vegetables, fruit etc. Our idea We would like to bring the porch to the 'front' of the cottage. We want build a hall cottage entrance replicated but flush with corridor-hall. The bedrooms would then have new entrance doors through old gable wall into new hall. The hall door will be centre of the new hall, build a bathroom to one side (external window, proper ventilation). This new hallway would wrap around to the left of the property into a 30sqm room with french doors facing front and french doors at other end of that room (onto leftover section of garden) and this room would have a small en suite. This room would connect by french doors (subsume the current windows into the sitting room). The internal bathroom can be (happily!) demolished and space used to double the size of kitchen and connect by barn door/sliding solid door to playroom/dining room. We think this build would provide adequate living space for our small family and a flow to the house with spaces that can join up and close off, such flow which it currently lacks. Any advice / issues with hallway (integral porch, hall door) at gable with wraparound to garden room?