We’ve done what you’ve described. In our case, we moved the kitchen into the dining room and opened it up with the adjacent lounge to turn it into an open plan living space. We are now in the process of turning the old kitchen into a utility and a small study. Things to note Service supplies. In our case we were fortunate that the old dining room had a gas fire place so we reused the gas supply for our cooker. Drainage - this was the biggest challenge. The floor boards had to be lifted and a new drain installed to the outside. Once outside, our builder was able to connect to a drain. Electrics - we required both rooms entirely. Be mindful of the cooker supply as this had to be taken back to the consumer unit. Also, if installing a range cooker, let your electrician know which type as some have very high electrical loads Radiators - these had to be relocated and replaced Our house is also very old and the walls and ceiling aren’t strange which caused a major challenge for our kitchen installer We are very pleased with the outcome of our family so much that we’ve hardly used the other reception room we have in the house.

Thanks for all the great ideas guys! Just had the builder to view the flat and here are some updates: builder said the soil pipe seems to be straight down, but could install a pump to flush it; although the estate agent said the pipe goes from external wall at the back of the flat. Not exactly sure who is correct. the budget is likely to go between 30k-35k. I also had a measure of the current bathroom dimension which is 1.67*2.13m. and the ceiling height is 2.56m. we'll probably change the bedroom wardrobe and free up some space as well...

Thank you for your thoughts Chiara, I really appreciate them. I do quite like the idea of a hob on the island, especially if it means I have the view of the garden / tv better whilst cooking, or to chat to people whilst stirring! But some of the designs they have the seats directly opposite... I'd definitely have the seats offset from the hob so people aren't in the splash area! Like you say, it is helpful for the hob to be near to the sink though, so I need to consider that. As well as the placement of the cooker. I think Option 2 is quite good from a work triangle perspective... Great thoughts re. the lounge, we do have a massive l-shaped sofa in the lounge that could be moved... aghghgh decisions decisions. Here's another design from Leicht (can you tell i've overthought this, and I'm now going round in circles !!!) This one has a utility behind it so blocks off the walkway to the lounge. It would be quite a dark (but potentially useful) little room.

I'd advise contacting building control at your local council as these works will be governed by 'part p' electrical works, 'part f' ventilation and 'part h' drainage. Also when you come to sell the property a good solicitor will ask for a certificate of compliance with building regulations for any works carried out. Before any works start, get a plan of the kitchen pinned down with your designer as that will be needed for first fixing of electics, water, waste, gas. A list of appliances for your electrician to check load requirements. As a kitchen designer/supplier I find when working with clients on this type of project, as the kitchen can be pretty much the last big purchase ends up with the biggest budget change as other parts of the works have gone over budget due to various reasons.