Ground floor redesign - confused by options

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hi everyone,

I just realised today there is a whole forums section of Houzz and clearly some very clever people giving a lot of advice so if anyone has any thoughts on the following dilemna it would be helpful. Ultimately I am trying to determine which professional area would be best for me to speak with be it interior designer/builder/architect. Perhaps some general thoughts will help that choice, I am in Suffolk in the UK.

We have a 14 year old modern detached house, there are 4 of us plus 2 cats, my 2 children are approaching teenage years. The house is looking tired inside and outside and is in need of some love and also I feel a change in layout as what was originally designed is not fitting to the way we live our lives as a family.

We're very fortunate and grateful for what we have, it is a great house. Even more so as the previous owners had the loft converted so it is actually a 5 bed house, they also had a conservatory added.

The current layout of the ground floor is depicted below, there is also a separate garage to the left of the Kitchen and a large garden that spans the full width of the house plus a bit more. Our children are building their lives here and we are not planning on moving until they are much older.

Main issues

I have never been happy with the dining room location and it's distance from the Kitchen.
We have never been happy with the layout of the kitchen, there is a significant lack of storage and even less work surface space and if you are cooking you are cut off from everyone else.
The conservatory is obviously a disappointment, it cuts out light and has the usual boiling/freezing problem. Although that said following DIY work for insulation it has been used by me for the last 3 years as a media room of sorts however it is not ideal. However it is now also a home to our cats which is good as it keeps them out the rest of the house at night time.
The sitting room layout is compromised for seating purposes as a result of 3 sets of doors. The bi-fold into the dining room were added by the previous owners which is good for access, bad for a wall to put things against! I do not feel it is conducive towards family communication.

Thoughts

We've discussed this for 4 months now so this is less than 1% of my thoughts so far :)

We don't want open plan.
The dining room and the kitchen should be closer together.
I would like the garden to be more easily accessible, I feel the conservatory prevents this.
An extension would ultimately correct most items but is probably not affordable.
We are currently using a spare bedroom on the 2nd floor as a utility room for drying washing, this is clearly rubbish as ideally we would have it located near the washing machine and get a tumble drying in there somehow.
We would like a woodburner fitted this year.
I think we need a separate sitting room/snug, one for the kids, they are getting older and frequently starting to commandeer the one room intended to relaxing. I see this increasing as time goes on which leaves my wife and I as outcasts in the conservatory or the study.
What kind of professional do you think I should talk to?

This is one of the potential plans I came up with, it could be with or without the conservatory.

Featured Answer

minnie101

8 years ago

Hi. I would swap the utility and study around which would hopefully allow some storage space downstairs.Would also have the conservatory as the dining room (maybe look at thermal blinds as an option). Dining room becomes a snug with a wall installed where the double doors are and tv on the stair wall. I'd also shorten the hall as you've done. Kitchen on Lhs wall, with tall larder and ff either end with oven in the middle. Then an 8ft peninsular coming off the external wall. Sink at the end of the island with DW next to it with stools for casual dining, homework etc.Where the back kitchen window is I'd put in a door for easier garden access. Log burner in the middle of the rhs wall of your existing living room with long sofa opposite and chair next to burner. I hope that makes sense although it may be too open plan for you but may work? it should also allow a little more light into the living room? You could also add a large mirror where the dining room doors as currently

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Comments (24)

PRO
Ace Your Space
8 years ago
You've already done some good work at identifying the problems and what you want. As to which professionals I would say probably don't start with the builder. They're better for when you have some ideas and you want to get a feeling for the cost and disruption. Either architect or Interior Designer would be good. I'd say just start looking here on Houzz and start contacting people who sound good. Look at their reviews as well as their work to get a feeling for how they approach things. You might also get some inspiration by looking at books by Sarah Susanka.
Mat thanked Ace Your Space
iolosdad
8 years ago
Personally I'd like the dining table and a couple of easy chairs at the back of the house like a living kitchen area with a log burner and views of the garden, you say you don't like open plan yet you've taken out the wall to the front room ?
Our "front room" has modern glass doors allowing light to flood through the house, we use this room mainly in the evening to watch Tv from big sofas like a snug away from the mess from the dishes or noise of the dishwasher .... Equally we can have the doors open to create an open light space.
Mat thanked iolosdad
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Mat
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi, thanks Ace Your Space, good to know I'm on the right track, it feels like I've got some good ideas but I don't know how to put any of them into practice and I simply want to ensure, whatever our budget we get the best result. I will check out the books you recommend and search for some professionals here.

drywsdad, thank you, I should have been clearer, we don't like total open plan and that's why we would at least like the Kitchen to be closed off, albeit more easily accessible. I actually do have another version of that layout with the dining room and sitting room switched over which I meant to post instead of that one but without moving that wall the sitting room I fear is too small on it's own and the dining room would simply be too big. That is unless we merged the Kitchen and dining room more than they currently are. Glass doors is something I've considered too and would be a big benefit if I was to retain the that currently holds the bifold doors into the dining room. Perhaps stealing some space from the living room for both kitchen and dining room is a better solution. I will have to try and make something on floorplanner to test it out.

I have about 10 of these and they are all variations on a theme, some with the conservatory, some without, some losing a kitchen door, some without, some stealing space from the hallway, some without. It gets tiring trying to think!
iolosdad
8 years ago
This layout makes the living room look bigger as you've taken away the door leaving you wall space in the hall for a hall table and mirror / art work
t_cro
8 years ago
How about closing off the previous dining space and making it a kids living room. Then using the back living space as your main living space and your conservatory as your dining room.

Would it be feasible to build it in brick and make it more of a sun room as opposed to conservatory?
Lindsey Pearce
8 years ago
Dear Matthew

Just read your message, I would be delighted to help you make the decisions on the plans and style and also cost of the project. I live in Suffolk and have been designing interiors so kitchens for 25 years I myself have three teenagers so know the importance of space and zones.

If you would like to discuss your ideas in more detail please do not hesitate to email me direct

Lindsey@lindseypearce.com

Kind regards

Lindsey
PRO
Ace Your Space
8 years ago
If it's any reassurance I can easily go >10 ideas when trying to find a layout that works. It's a good process and in my opinion it's quickest done with bits of paper cut to scale and shuffled around.

What is the room to the left of the door? If this is a study, could this be combined with another space that wouldn't get used at the same time? E.g. dining room or snug? If you could release this space somehow and combine its functions into another space you might get what you're looking for - this page might be of use. http://www.notsobigshowhouse.com/2011/about/features.asp

I'm thinking maybe the toilet could move and the study space get combined with the kitchen.
themaher
8 years ago
I would consider changing the conservatory into a proper room/extention and move the kichten/dining room into what is now the living room and conservatory. that way you could have the dining room overlooking the garden and make the garden more accessible. also give you mich more kitchen space/workspace maybe incorporating an island. In your current proposals there is less access to the garden by removing a door but no change to the conservatory. also the proposed changes only add minimal space to your kitchen for storage and workspace especially if you are putting in a dryer there too.

that would then allow you to have an adult living room/snug where the current dining room is and a kids room in the current kitchen or vice versa.
PRO
John Botham Architect
8 years ago
You really need an architect to help you with that, they are best placed to understand and manipulate all the spaces. You need an architect with ideas, though, not just an 'architectural designer' who will just want to draw what you ask for. I'd offer to help, but I'm much too far away!

You need to start with what is fixed - where are the loadbearing walls (if any?) The stairs will need to stay put, too, which is a major limitation, as the space on either side is narrow. So the lounge must be at the back. You might put the kitchen where the dining room is, so that you can have a large room right across the back. There are many more options, though.
septimus1
8 years ago
You have made a great start to improving your home by identifying what doesn't work and what does - for you as a family. That is step number one. Step number two is:

Write to the Royal Institute of British Architects at Portland Place, London and ask for a list of Architects (with Practices within, say, 100 - 150 miles of your home) and who specialise in domestic architecture and who may have won awards over the years for their work.

Step three: Pick out a short list of, say, three, and call them. Ask if they are interested in your project and if they are invite them to your home for a no-commitment discussion. Chose the one you think you would do the best job and ask him/her for a written proposal on what professional services they think you will need (Structural Engineer, Quantity Surveyor to take care of estimates, valuations, payments to contractor, final accounts etc) Interior Designer etc etc) I suspect you will only need an Architect and a Quantity Surveyor for a project of this nature.

Step four: Negotiate Terms of Engagement with the Architect whereby he retains the QS and he is solely responsible for the project's completion in accordance with your brief to him, your budget and your timescale. No ifs and buts - you are paying the piper and he will deliver what you want. He will certainly show you design options you would never otherwise think of, he will manage the contract between you and the builder and you will get competitive tenders for the work from reputable contractors who will know precisely what they need to do from day one.

David
dosia_konn
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hiring interior designer is the best investment you can do when renovating.

Interior Designers are not Decorators and they are great at space planning, have many clever ideas when it comes to style, storage or how to meet personal needs of all you family members.

Before you hire someone, make sure you interview them to understand their approach to design. Not long ago there was an advice article in houzz '10 things to ask interior designer before you hire them' . I think that would be a great start.

Good luck :)
PRO
Nicola Holden Designs
8 years ago
My recommendation would be to talk to an interior designer first. Interior designers consider how the space is used for the various tasks that are performed in each space. If necessary, they will then suggest you involve an architect, but you might not need to go down that route depending on the solution they come up with. I would be happy to help, although being based in south London, I would rely more heavily on email and Skype meetings.
septimus1
8 years ago
I'm afraid these last two comments are rather loaded and absurd, if you'll pardon me saying so. Interior Designers have a useful if specific function in domestic architecture just as Quantity Surveyors, Engineers, Landscape Architects etc have but they are definitely not the first people to talk to, especially in this case. If the Architect you chose recommends the appointment of an Interior Designer then do so but it beggars belief that you should employ an Interior Designer in the first instance!

David
dosia_konn
8 years ago
@ septimus1

Could you please let us know what is the "specific function in domestic architecture" of Interior Designers?

This is very interesting point, would love to hear more from you on this subject.
septimus1
8 years ago
Dosia_Konn

Perhaps I could answer your query by explaining first what Architects do.

The Architect takes the client's brief and instructions, prepares feasibility designs , cost estimates and makes Planning and Building Regulation Applications, negotiates with Planners & Building Control Officers on behalf of the clientdesigns the whole building/extension, specifies the materials to be used in the construction, specifies the quality and method of construction, provides detailed, dimensioned drawings to Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, etc etc, prepares tender documents for the whole project, checks potential contractors, invites tenders, reports and advises on received tenders, prepares Contract documents, administers the Building Contract, issues Certificates for Payments at appropriate times, inspects the work as it proceeds to ensure it conforms with the Contract, agrees Final Accounts with Contractors and issues Final Certificates to clients etc for payment, makes six month inspections, issues instructions to contractors to make good defects etc etc

Interior Designers are sometimes, but not invariably, engaged as part of the Professional Team to advise on the design of the interiors of buildings, including colour schemes, fabrics, fittings and furniture, estimating costs, sourcing fittings, furniture and fabrics including floor and wall coverings. They specialise in these aspects of the building project but do not offer the extent and quality of services as offered by Architects who are normally regarded as the leaders of any design team and who are required to have considerably more training, qualifications and expertise in all aspects of building projects than Interior Designers have or need. I am unaware of the minimum qualification necessary to call oneself an 'Interior Designer' and would be interested to learn that.

Some Interior Designers offer more than the normal service as mentioned above and if a client prefers to take that option that is their right to do so. Some draughtsmen do the same but I wouldn't recommend that course of action in this specific instance unless the particular Interior Designer/Draughtsmen shows himself/herself well equipped, experienced and qualified to do the job as well as an Architect.
dosia_konn
8 years ago
http://www.ncidqexam.org/about-interior-design/definition-of-interior-design/

"Definition of Interior Design

Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants and are aesthetically attractive. Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmentalsustainability. The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space that fulfills the project goals..."

For more detail information what Interior Designers do and are trained for please refer to the link above.

I understand that most uninformed people refer to the profession of Interior Design in the similar way to what you have described. That might have been true 20 years ago. Today Interior designers are highly trained professionals, perfectly qualified to handle such renovation project as mentioned in this discussion.
Tim Price
8 years ago
I would consider extending the kitchen out into the garden to at least the distance of the conservatory. This would be a kitchen - dining room in one. This solves the distance and also frees up the current dining room to be the second living room you want.

Question on the keyboard - played by one or many? If by one can it not go in their bedroom? That too would free up 1/2 a room downstairs.

Of course there is also the garage to consider knocking into the house depending on how important the garage is to you. (Is there space to build a new one in front of the existing one?) This option would again offer the option of a kitchen-diner with or without a kitchen extension.

Knowing which way is north for lighting reasons as well as which internal walls are load bearing and what your budget is would help. Also, would you be able to move out while major alterations are under way or is this something to have to do in such a way that you can still live in the middle of it all?

Is there a reason only to look at the ground floor? What are the chances of a loft conversion as a teenage hangout room? A room over the garage could also be considered for this purpose.

How much space is there behind the garage? Would that be a space for a teenage room? Perhaps there is space for an extension behind the garage and across the back of the kitchen that would allow a snug as well as a kitchen diner and all without serious disruption in the rest of the house while it is done. If not a snug then a laundry room, thus freeing up your existing box room upstairs to become your music/home office room and allowing that room to be a snug.

When I initially looked at the layout I thought the hallway was a strange shape but the longer I look at it the better it seems - an illusion of space and light without eating up too much of the floor plan. That is what led me to wondering about how to alter other areas of the house to still give the improved usage you want on the ground floor.
Mat
Original Author
8 years ago
Hello everyone, thank you so much for all of your replies. I am sorry I have given reason for differing factions to war!

There are so many comments, I do not think i can reply to them all however some of the recurring ones.

Firstly I will just say I have begun to contact both interior designers and architects :) I am yet to have any conversations with anyone but I will use this thread as good advice [12-questions-your-interior-designer-should-ask-you[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/12-questions-your-interior-designer-should-ask-you-stsetivw-vs~29616201) thank you dosia_konn :)

There will of course be a budget and whilst some of the ideas proposed are all good I suspect some are out of range. I believe that the ideal solution is indeed to have an extension across the whole property which allows the kitchen to be longer and flow into a dining room (where the conservatory is now) would be best. Thus allowing the existing dining room the become the TV room/snug and the existing lounge being a bit of everything. Utilising the lounge as part of either kitchen or dining room may then also be an option. However extension plus new kitchen plus internal realignment is likely to be off the cards based on cost alone and that is why I want an expert to help me get the best value of what we've got based on my needs. I certainly want to know the options but there is no point focusing on those that are out of reach.

Room next to WC is study where my wife works. I wouldn't have thought moving W/C would be of that much benefit? Soil stack is there for 2 bathrooms above. I did wonder about moving the kitchen to the existing dining room as a possible option too.

We are not limited to this floor it is true but this is where we live as a family and is where the primary change should be albeit with consideration of the potential to use the converted atic, which is where I currently work. TV and computers in child bedrooms is not where I want to be for a good number of years.

Thank you all so much for your comments, I'll review them some more and post back further feedback.
PRO
Pat Oliver Interior Design
8 years ago
Mat, if you discuss your work with interior designers, be sure that they are actually fully qualified interior designers and not interior decorators. An interior designer will be able to structurally manipulate the space or they will collaborate with an architect to find the best solution for you.
1guido
8 years ago
check out Meredith Bowles of Mole architects - think they are over your way - nothing to do with me, just do really good work and think they could really bring some great ideas and add value to your requirements
ednel218
8 years ago

My son is an architect and recently redesigned our bungalow with the kitchen at the front through to the family room at the back. At first I thought this would be strange but we did it and I love the result. I was wondering if it would be possible for you to put your kitchen where the study and toilet are ( getting rid of the downstairs toilet) , and have your dining room where your kitchen is at the moment, overlooking the garden with a French window ( open through to the kitchen) . This would leave you with two sitting rooms where your dining room is at present and where your existing lounge is. Hope you manage to work things out and that your family enjoy many more happy years in your home.
Tryphic
8 years ago
I agree with t-cro, personally I would open up the kitchen to the back room and conservatory as a kitchen, diner, family room. Keep the current dining room separate as a sitting room. Trust me, you want a separate room to escape to sometimes! If you can open up the conservatory as a small single storey extension even better, it may help with light levels and opening up the house to the back garden. Good luck!
Elliott Cook
7 years ago
We are currently casting for a brand new property show, would love to hear from you.

Ground floor redesign - confused by options

minnie101

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