Yes, my ceilings are 8 feet. I would have to leave off the glass part at the top. We are opeing up the wall which is where the penninsula will be, then a few feet out from the penninsula my ceilings raise to 16 feet in the living room with 2 skylights in the celing and lots of natural light. I really thought this would prevent the darks wood from becoming to heavy, also combining it with the lighter elemtns it helps brighten things up. I do want to put in handscraped hickory hardwood floors. This would be throughout the kitchen, dining room, and living room. I like the tile but I want the flow of having the floors all the same. I knew there would be people who don't like this kitchen. It's definitely not for eveyone, and I respect that. It makes a very strong statement. You can correct me on the eclectic if you like. I call that mixing the different elements, details, finishes, and embellishments. I do agree it's tuscan, antique looking. I am worried about using it in "my smaller space" That is why I posted here to get ideas. I appreciate all suggestions and all thoughts negative or positive. I do think not having enough space is a huge concern. One reason I thought this style would work is because we are opening this space up and removing a wall. Our living room is large. There are only two of us living here. Empty nesters. I can't see the expense of expanding. Not in this econmic climate and the area I live in. I was hoping by opening up the space it would give us a nice entertaining area. It is a load bearing wall so a support column is needed at the end of the penninsula. For this reason I really can't have an island. I am limited, I do have to be realistic. That's not always easy!

Am quite getting to like Daintree pines - Gymnostoma australianum as they have not only the conical shape, but also a nice flush of red "flowers" followed by interesting seed pods. I think you should not be put off by "eventual" sizes of pines as, growing in pots rather than in-ground, you can control that a lot . You might contact the curators/staff of Mt Cootha Gardens, Roma St, and Friends of the Gold Coast gardens, any of whom might give you input on the area. As for sources, bearing in mind that some multi-national companies DO stock plants not entirely suited to their neighbourhoods, go browse around Bunnings (ALL Gold Coast stores), Masters, and the few remaining independants like Boyds at the Tweed, Ashmore Garden World, Ross Evans, and not forgetting the permanent market folk at Carrara - if I've forgotten anyone, apologies. With a bit of research if you don't like what's available, go check e-bay and gum-tree

that's odd, that they left that one white window! but yes, agree to doing them white. I love the woven wood window blinds. Gorgeous home. the finishes are beautiful. Interesting to see what furniture you decide to get. That Tuscan style isn't my first choice either. I don't think you can go wrong w/the white trim/baseboards/crown. If you do the white wainscot, white walls and trim, then hopefully you can bring some color in rugs, art, pillows, etc. What I'm really liking recently, is soft blush pinks w/white, some gold and silver. gray leather sofas, marble accents, soft wood,, tufted sofas, black and white prints, But with the white, I also love some dark wood elements. keeps the white from looking too sterile What is your style as far as furniture? this one is a lot of white! its nice, but I'd have to bring in a fiddle leaf fig tree, some other plants, and maybe a velvet accent chair in turquoise or pale lilac.and artwork. I love original artwork on canvas with colors or nature photography. I have a few Lik, King and Mangelsen works that I just love because they bring in color to the room.

The interior really doesn't speak Tuscan to me. It can go any direction you like. If you still want to lean into the Tuscan feeling try a creamy white, greige or the below: Light olive green Creamy sunkist yellow I would leave the window treatments and lighting in place for a year. Get to know the house and how your furniture fits in there before doing more than changing paint color.