I chose number 3 as I think it really adds a social vibe as soon as you walk in. In regards to your point about the WC and the utility room, perhaps you could swap them around? I.e. having two doors into the WC, one to enter and one to go further into the utility room?

Option 1 for me, it seems to flow the best, and I like that the kitchen and lounge area are still separate while in the same open space. I specifically have this project in mind: http://www.houzz.co.uk/projects/122377/the-vineyard-hong-kong

Hi Ffion. As long as option 1 will give you a large enough WC then we can see why you might lean towards it. If you wanted a bigger WC or a shower room then perhaps flipping it to the other side of the corridor could work. The good thing about the utility opening from the kitchen is that it keeps that space more private, and it is even possible to have a pantry and utility if that works for you. The kitchen at the moment is really large compared with the dining and casual sitting areas, which can be really great. For some people a kitchen that hugs the left hand side of the plan, with the dining area full width at the rear and cosier sitting area where you enter the space can work well. The choice of glazing (both roof lights and the doors to the garden) will have a great impact on the quality of the space. You could look at minimal framed aluminium glazed doors (either sliding or sliding-folding) and frameless glass roof lights, if a contemporary style is your thing. All the best with the project.

Thanks for your votes and comments so far. I thought I'd add some photos of the current space too for context...as you will see it's not been updated for quite some time!

We recently designed this for a client. I think the WC and utility room arrangement works well.

I like the idea of keeping the seating area inside the room with the kitchen/diner area at the door end so when it's hot and sunny you're cooking/eating area opens up to the garden. Also, in the winter you'll benefit from the seating being cosier a bit further into the room. However, I LOVE the WC being in the hall rather than the utility. Perhaps you could use this idea from the first option and add some storage to the utility room instead? So exciting! keep the polls and pics coming x

I agree with the suggestions to keep the bathroom and the storage cupboard respectively on either side of the hallway -- whichever design works best for you -- in order to keep the utility room a more private area. For The long single wall kitchen options, i would consider the number of steps required to move from one activity to another -- since there is no work triangle, i have had the experience that it can mean more walking. I prefer the options with the kitchen on the left, as I would like my guests to have sight of my dining or seating area when coming through the hallway, rather than my kitchen. Good luck!

I am not going to cast a vote, but would just
offer some advice on thinking about the ergonomics of the space you want to
create. People have mentioned the Golden Triangle in the context of the
kitchen, which is a good guide for the kitchen layout, but thinking about the
wider layout it is really important to think about how you, and others who
share your space, actually use the space. How many of you will be
"working" in the kitchen at any one time? Don't give up a
disproportionate amount of real estate to the kitchen area - if storage is the
driver then think of other ways of storing items, such as contemporary dresser
in your dining area etc. Think about where the majority of occupants want to
get to most frequently when they first enter the space; to a sofa, a dining
table or a kitchen counter? Apply the 80-20 rule and maximise efficiency for
the most frequent activities. What is happening immediately outside the space?
Is it a space that looks better lit up in the evening when you are dining, or
is it a space you want to gaze out at during the day? What else do you do at
the dining table? Does someone work at it during the day? Is light a
consideration? Will you have a TV on the wall? It may be good to have a wall
away from direct sunlight as this can impair the visibility of a screen. So
much to think about, but it really pays to spend some time upfront thinking
about the use. Good Luck and enjoy the design process.

I'm stuck between option 2 and option 4. Going to vote 2 though. It really comes down to how you live in and use your home. Think through all the advice and questions above and you know what to do. I'd love to help more but these experts are too good! Blue Cottini has basically sorted you out. What a brilliant example of Houzz working at its best. Good Luck Ffion.

In our experience a Galley kitchen is the most efficient layout. The first option seems popular although I'd worry about cooking smells interfering with your laundry...

What are the measurements of the spaces in the various Options? I think it is a key part of the decision making process to visualise the actual space one will have when using the area. For example, option 1 would be very different depending on overall size of space just scaled in or out?

Option 1 is definitely the best solution, we always consider that the view out at the rear is the most important aspect from all areas of the open plan room, therefore kitchen should be furthest away as you will be standing in this area giving the best perspective height, next should be the dining area, as dining furniture seating generally gives you more height than a sofa. Also we don't feel that natural light is as important in the kitchen area as artificial lighting is usually preferred when prepping / cooking.

Please feel free to call us . We have been designing kitchens for 42 years and would love to help.