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I need help on the best use of space for a house extension.

Michaela Francey

8 years ago

Here's our current floor plan plus 2 designs from the architect. We don't know whether to have a fully open plan design (removing the wall between the current kitchen and dinning room), whether to have bi-folding doors, windows, French doors or a combination. We also can't decide on a kitchen layout. One thing we're pretty certain on is that we want to retain the current living room as a separate room and keep easy access to the garage. Seeking inspiration.

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Jonathan

8 years ago

Just another idea

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Comments (9)

t_cro
8 years ago
Personally I'd go for the 3rd option. In the first one the kitchen is quite small and you have a big family area, which would fit a table and sofa area, ut then u still have a separate dining area. So effectively 2 dining areas. I would guess one would be wasted as you'd either eat at the table in the kitchen area (if u are having one) or eat at an island. The space you spend the most time in should be the biggest. Dining rooms don't get used much imo. I have a similar space with kitchen, dining area and living space. We eat at the island and only use table once a week, so I'm glad it's not a separate room as it would be a waste.

If u go for the second option, with the separate dining room, include an island seating space. As it will be a more versatile space then.
Michaela Francey thanked t_cro
t_cro
8 years ago
Oh and I'd say bifolding or sliding doors, I find french doors get in the way when they open out to a patio.
Michaela Francey thanked t_cro
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PRO
OnePlan
8 years ago
Could be an idea to create a laundry room and internal access to garage if you park and enter house via garage ? Looks like there's enough room . Key with open plan is to make sure you have enough storage to keep it all tidy !! If every tub has a place - it can ( in theory ) all be put away for a quick tidy up !
Michaela Francey thanked OnePlan
titiankim
8 years ago
If I was building such a big extension, I'd definitely want a utility/laundry room - washing machines can be so noisy in an open plan space. I'd also want a downstairs loo (and shower if space and depending on how many bathrooms elsewhere in the house). Both these are attractive to future buyers, particularly if they have young kids. I'm assuming it's a semi because there don't seem to be windows at the side? If so, there's a danger that the existing dining room could become a dark corridor that isn't used much, so I'd go for the more open layout, but separate off the living room by reinstating the wall or putting sliding/pocket doors in. Of course there is a cost implication to having more steels
Michaela Francey thanked titiankim
PRO
source style design
8 years ago
Hi, I agree with the comments above. I absolutely love bi folding doors and would definitely consider these to be able to create fantastic indoor , outdoor living for summer living. From experience with kids and day to day living... I would have a large extending dining table that leads directly out onto the garden and move your family space to where your dining room is and have a tv etc positioned there with a more formal, grown up living room area as you have it in the plan. The key changes I would make are then to the design of the utility room which I would keep with access to the garage. Great for coming into the house with grubby boots and shopping etc . I would make this a reasonable size and I would also incorporate a cloakroom on the ground floor for family and guests to use without needing to go upstairs. I think this model would work well for a family and will give all the family different zoned areas to relax, do homework, have great dinner parties or casual eating. I would also add a table and chairs and if you have room in the garden, a casual seating area, bbq etc, parasol and take advantage of the whole open plan contemporary living of your new extension. Very exciting.. good luck.
Michaela Francey thanked source style design
ebowles88
8 years ago
We are having an extension similar to this. In our plans we have the living room at the front as a separate room and we are keeping the 2nd reception separate too, the Dining room in your current layout. We have 2 small children so use it as a games room. we will have enough space for a large dining table in the extended kitchen. The games room will work well as kids get older, a lesson learnt from my sis in law, she always knew where her kids were as they and their friends loved spending time there given they had their 'own space' :-)

I like the idea submitted by jonathandb1972. A downstairs toilet is a must as is a separate utility room even if just for washer/dryer. I would make the utility room in his drawing less wide so space feels bigger when walking into the kitchen from the hall.

We will have a door leading from the kitchen to the 2nd reception so we can open out that space when needed.

I would opt for bi folding doors but make sure one of the doors you can open separately. We are also having roof lights to make sure there is enough light.

Good luck!
Michaela Francey thanked ebowles88
Michaela Francey
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you so much. We have had so many replies and all very helpful.
durhamdiva1
8 years ago
Definitely agree that a downstairs loo and separate utility area are missing in both of these plans. In my experience having gone from a tiny to a large kitchen that it's how it's planned, not the size that's important, so don't necessarily reject the layout of option 1! There's probably a compromise between 1 and 2 that would work and allow you to have a run of bi-fold doors at the back rather than two separate sections. Wish I could use a pencil on the plans! Good luck :)
Michaela Francey thanked durhamdiva1

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