I would ordinarily recommend that you don't mix cream/ivory with white as they can often clash, but you have pulled it off with the worktops! bringing in more white in the form of the glossy table will only enhance the look you have already created. the only other option would be a glass table with white chairs or stick with the accent colour of subtle grey for the chairs.

I would use plants to brighten the space. The hardscapes are all good, they just look a bit naked and grim. It can be hard to make a space pretty but usable for the kids too, but its not impossible. You have a lovely sitting area to enjoy. Plant some lovely feature bushes in that gravel area. You don't need to completely hide the clothesline, but having something pretty and showy in front will create a boundary and the eye will be drawn to the plants instead of the washing. If you can't plant into the soil there, some large size pots will work. Maybe some medium sized (1-2metre) ornamental trees in pots, like citrus, a weeping ornamental cherry, or bay trees, moptop robinias are nice too. They will be compact. You could cluster some pots of herbs underneath or plant them and let them ramble a little. Herbs like thyme and rosemary and lavender will suit the gravel area and the heat and be hardy with kids playing around, the odd bike falling on them or crushing underfoot would be quite okay. bulbs in pots or planted around the edges of the lawn are great value low maintenance and hardy colour. You can get great seasonal variation in your view then. Online bulb stores like tesselar and garden express sell bulk landscaping bulbs at very reasonable prices. You can get hundreds of bulbs for $30-50. Bulbs are great hardy plants that won't be killed by the odd soccer ball either. The flowers may get knocked over or the leaves, but the bulb is safe under the soil. Cheap and cheerfuls like nasturtiums are good value colour that will self seed every season. Also, plant some very bright flowering shrubs behind the soccer net and against the far wall. Maybe some hibiscus? You need something to catch and entice the eye, plant some large flowering shrubs with larger or bright flowers or foliage you will be able to appreciate from a distance.

I think I would have one set off steps down and move the dividing presses to the side where your sink is, making it a peninsula. That would make for a nice L shaped banquette seating area where your blank wall is, and the gallery backdrop would be great there. You could also have a nice long table as opposed to the small square one. I also hope you don't mind me saying that I think you need to reconsider the placement of your hob. It's right beside a door which will be awkward and you have your back to the room when entertaining. You will have such a nice kitchen that you should make the most of it for entertaining. Even you consider putting it on the island facing the dining area?

HiyaJust move house again and trying to get the dining area of the kitchen sorted. Feel like we are missing something any thoughts??