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Design Dilemma
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Kitchen layout

User
7 years ago
I'm moving into my first home in two weeks!

I need some ideas on the kitchen layout. It's currently a mess and will be getting completely gutted. He problem is it's not the biggest space ever. (I don't have dimensions yet), but there are two alcoves either side of the chimney breast which make a good layout a pain.

I have attached a current picture and a floor plan.

Note that there is no banister on the stairs there's just a wall.
Featured Answer
  • PRO
    OnePlan
    7 years ago
    Yes - get a good contractor out to see what's possible ! Remember you need pan handle space too if you intend to cook in there - so at least 150mm either side of a hob or cooker width ! And enough room above to site a cooker hood if you can - with gas that needs to be 750mm above the hob ( hobs are usually approx 910mm up from floor)

    Comments (42)

    • PRO
      OnePlan
      7 years ago
      Might be worth investing in taking the chimney out ?
      Congrats on the new purchase !! Exciting times ahead !
    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Thanks!

      Yeh that's the only viable option I can think of. I don't want units in front of the window ideally because I want to make them into patio doors one day.

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    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Was thinking if I couldn't demolish the whole chimney breast I could just knock through the front wall of it and use the space for a large oven like in the attached pictures?
    • Grace Bloggs
      7 years ago
      I agree with removing the chimney breast - having that wall of units set back will give you room for the patio doors and a table in the middle. I'd consider getting the window done at the same time in case it messes with your flooring.
    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Do you think I should just have units along the one wall or in an L shape towards the living room door?
    • Grace Bloggs
      7 years ago
      along one wall would be better for maximising space for a table and walking through the patio doors (you don't want to be squeezing past furniture to get to ypur cloakroom or the garden). However, that might not give you enough worktop or storage space. having lived in a house with little kitchen storage its very frustrating. Would you want a table or would an island work for you?
    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Only going to be me and a friend living in it. I don't see this as a future family home.

      Maybe an island with a breakfast bar?
    • PRO
      Queenline Kitchens and Bedrooms
      7 years ago

      Looking at the photo you seem to have ample floor space in front of the units that are on the chimney breast. Bearing this in mind I would consider studding out the alcoves and bringing everything forward. When I've done this in the past the room actually looks bigger as it's more streamlined. Also you can create alcoves between work top and wall units as there will be a void there.

    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Hi. ^ Can you describe in more detail what you mean? Maybe with a picture? Will the wall units not be too hard to reach the back of?
    • Josh Holt
      7 years ago

      Hi,

      What I mean is to completely stud the alcoves out. The wall units will therefore be brought forward as well as the base units. You don't lose storage space and you increase usable work top space. What you do lose is floor space. As I said before, though, the overall impression is of more space because of the straight run, not going in and out.



    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Thanks. So I suppose it will have the same look as knocking through the fire place would but would obviously be smaller floor space, however it would be cheaper and less hassle than knocking through the fire place.
    • Josh Holt
      7 years ago

      Agreed. Especially if the chimney carries on up through the house as you would then require a steel support.

    • PRO
      User
      7 years ago

      Really like the oven in the Chimney breast idea. You could also consider disguising the Chimney breast by putting units on one side across the kitchen to make a little dining area. ( Depending on room available ). You could then use the other alcove for full height / double depth units to maximize your storage space. Here's a rough ( very rough ) idea.

    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Thanks that's also a good idea, didn't think of that!

      I should probably also mention that I could do with fitting a washing machine in somewhere too, although I may remove the toilet from the utility area you can see on the floor plan and make it an actual utility room.

      It's only 2 bedroom it probably doesn't need two toilets.
    • PRO
      User
      7 years ago

      That's a good idea. You can also fit very easily an integrated washing machine under the draining board of a sink unit to save on space, and the plumbing for both will be all together out of the way.

    • Grace Bloggs
      7 years ago
      Do you have any other photos of the room or rough measurements? Is the wall between the kitchen and living room supporting?
      If this is for the short term I'd be loathed to spend lots on it. Downstairs loos wre pretty handy for guests and are liked by buyers. You don't need one but its a nice to have.
    • Grace Bloggs
      7 years ago
      Sorry me again! Are the stairs essentially in the kitchen? Are there building regs on stairs in the kitchen due to fire risk? I have no knowledge just a thought.
    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Hi.

      Unsure about building regs but yes that is a supporting wall between living room and kitchen. It will be owned for a good few years don't worry. I don't have lots of money to do it up anyway.

      The stairs are in the kitchen. They are not open there is a wall between the stairs and the kitchen.
    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Hi Grace,

      Realised I didn't really answer half of your questions yesterday.

      I will upload further photos and exact measurements in about two weeks when I get the property (hopefully).

      Although it's a supporting wall, other houses in the street have it quite open plan with strengthening beams put in.

      Also it terms of house prices shall I keep the downstairs toilet in? It isn't a proper bathroom, it is literally a toilet behind a small wall, the elderly woman who owned it before needed easy access.
    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      So I've finally got keys and in the process of renovating. Had B&Q draw up a design for me last night. What are people's thoughts?
    • PRO
      MBH Carpentry and Joinery Ltd.
      7 years ago
      What are your plans for the cupboard leading off the lounge? This could be closed off and put doorway on kitchen side giving you extra storage for kitchen space, and depending on if or what regulations are on the stairs in terms of fire risk this could be opened up to give you other options for storage.
    • Tweeza
      7 years ago
      Instead of cutting into the chimney (which seems like an expensive option), how about fitting out one side as a large step in cupboard larder, so the front is flush with the cook top. The other side could remain recessed and house your laundry, then bench space and sink on the wall opposite the window - leaving that area free for future patio doors. Install a drop leaf table under the window - can be expanded for guests when necessary.
    • PRO
      Amber Jeavons Ltd
      7 years ago
      last modified: 7 years ago

      Hello Dean,

      How gr8 it is when you walk through into a new home! I haven't read what anyone else has submitted. I wonder if you could not situate a range in the chimney breast... I like your idea here for the cooking element situated and extraction above makes absolute sense. It makes a real feature and as you say it's not a home you intend to stay in for the long term. It could be a lovely selling point later on. It's not all about what will sell but some idea as to what is going to be received well is good planning. Have you been to anyone else for a design? It might be a good idea to see how someone else approaches it..

      Some aesthetic points which I feel will benefit, I rather like a squared off finish to the worktop. Think about what appliances you want and what materials you might want as you can do spectacular things with perhaps the less usual finishes.. This depends on your budget but I love something different like concrete for example.. Talking of units themselves.. There is also the idea that you could buy shells and then have bespoke doors made to a design of your choice.. Some personal favourites are the carved handle that forms the design of the door or drawers (see image of a kitchen I love)

      Also consider how you move around the kitchen and what your needs are or that of your friend as this may also inform you as to how to have the layout..

      Oh a good point tweeza makes .. If you intend to extend at any point, this then takes the orientation to another position whereby then you could have an island with sink and face outward toward the garden for example. The proximity for oven and sink/island area would be beneficial as long as you have a metre clearance between island and oven. The cloakroom/utility could then form part of a bigger space within an extension but all things to consider and what works within your budget..... : ))

      It's not the same within chimney but you can see the doors and drawers pictured here with the handle design I mention. Of course this is just one idea of many..

    • PRO
      OnePlan
      7 years ago
      Might be an idea to get some drawers in the kitchen too !!!
    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Hi,

      Thanks all for the replies.

      To try and respond to all of you in one go I'll try and sum up.

      In the initial floor plan from right move the door to the cupboard space is off the living room. Ignore that, the door is actually situated in the kitchen, and as such gives a good pantry room for storage.

      I don't like the grooved handles on any units really. I would much prefer an actual metal handle. Each to their own I guess.

      I may have overstated how short term this house will be. I still intend to live in it for a good few years, and the house will probably stay in the family so i intend to do a good job on it.

      On the drawn up 3D plan from B&Q there are drawers on the island opposite the oven. I don't want drawers on the same side as cupboards because it looks a bit mismatched.

      In regards to extensions, this wouldn't be viable really. There is a coal shed and a toilet/utility extension already.

      I no longer need to accommodate a washer or dryer on the kitchen, this is going to be in the utility room.

      Space between the island is 800mm which is apparently the minimum.




      I've had new plans drawn by wickes today, which despite massive discounts and a laminate top is nearly the same price as B&Q. However I will probably end up passing these plans onto a small independent.

      I will post pictures of my new 3D plan from Wickes in a desperate post below, I personally prefer it but I'm open to thoughts.
    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Pictures of the 3D model from Wickes.
    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      There is space for a 900mm? Double oven, this is not built into the units and could mean food and stuff getting down the gaps.

      In this scenario it would mean I would lose the two thin 'spice rack' pullouts either side of the oven.

      Whether I need one is another thought, it's only a two bed house, I don't cook for lots of people only myself really. No family. A flat mate who will likely use the microwave more.

      However it does make a nice focal point.
    • PRO
      OnePlan
      7 years ago
      Doesn't appear to be a DW in the wickes plan ? I'd say that's more of a priority than 900 range cooker ... Also re wider cooker - see my second post above - even if it's an induction range - you still need room for pan handles !
    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Yeh I don't see the necessity of a double oven anyway just a thought.

      How are people liking the second kitchen design?
    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      AJ INTERIOR STYLING i considered a squared off finish to the worktop, however due to budget restraints I will probably be getting a laminate worktop, as such a sharp edge like this can lead to peeling if it gets damage. Also, water collects on the bottom edge and can cause warping so I've had to consider a rounded laminate.

      However if a local company can price up a kitchen for cheaper with a solid top then I'll consider it.
    • minnie101
      7 years ago

      Hi. I also prefer the wickes design. I'm obviously not a kitchen planner so with that in my mind these are my thoughts! I'd want the prep area next to the sink, with that in mind I'd have a sink over the middle unit and lose the draining board giving room to stack dishes over the DW (?). Next to the sink I'd have an integrated bin. I'd have drawers either side of the spice cupboards (so change existing drawers in plan to cupboards), a deep one for pans etc, a mid one for baking trays etc and then a slim one for utensils/cutlery. The microwave could then go next to the FF and move the kettle etc that side. It might be good to see what the design looks like with an integrated fridge/freezer and also if you either lose the cupboard to the left of the window or extend it to the window.

    • PRO
      Amber Jeavons Ltd
      7 years ago
      last modified: 7 years ago

      Hello Dean,

      Yes budget is important and there may be ways you can shave and save... Knowing where to spend and where not.. So it might be an idea to source your products and appliances individually in some respects... Something from here.. something from there..

      Part of what I do is offer procurement and so being a fantastic negotiator is part of it.. Also you can pimp a plainer cabinet front for example with a fabulous handle... There are so many that I could go on and on and on.. but here's a few you might find of interest... You might find that getting a design independently or working with what you have, and using a fantastic kitchen fitter to install, your chosen shopping list!

      You could get something more bespoke and chosen specifically to your tastes.. rather than buy from a range chosen by any one kitchen company.. Mine I designed was 5k without discounts.. It won't possibly be to your liking but I mention it as it shows what can be done on a really small budget.. Also it's 5 years old and I have changed its appearance 3 times... This is the current look which was for publication... So it's dark but not boring.. : ))

      Worktop

      Handles

      Appliances

      This is how it started out 5 years ago (below) It's magnolia to say the least translation boring- and it was a bit of a messy day!... It though was right for the (then look)

      I get bored and my ideas evolve and so I change things, small things sometimes.

      So you can create very different looks with small changes in colour for example!

      I think the wickes is preferable but my suggestion is to perhaps use the design and then consider what else you can do! :))

    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Hi Minnie thanks for the reply.

      With regards to drawers there are three to the right of the fridge, which should be sufficient. The drawers are a lot wider than cupboards and as such wouldn't fit either side of the cooker without changing the corner units.

      The corner units have a cool design were the doors are hinged on the outer edge, so you can open both and easily get into the corner, there's no pillar there.

      As for getting rid of the drainage board I just couldn't do it, had a small one in my flat and that drove me batty I definitely need one.

      There is a dishwasher the the right hand unit near the sink. I've never had a dishwasher in my life so let's see if they're worth it!
    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      As for the prep area the designers thinking was that you would get food out of the fridge, moving to the right to the prep area, then to the cooking area and Then to the sink. I think i like the thought process behind that.
    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      AJ, thanks again for the reply.

      I do plan to source products from various sources. The biggest discount for wickes is the units, coming in at about £2,700 total.

      Is that a good price? Pretty new to this.

      However their appliances are expensive costing nearly £1k. I reckon I could knock a good £400 off that. I still think wickes are expansive.

      The units in this design are a light grey. I think I'm gonna change them to white. The only direct light comes through in the afternoon at an angle, it will mainly hit the back wall opposite the oven so I need a brighter kitchen ideally.
    • PRO
      Amber Jeavons Ltd
      7 years ago
      last modified: 7 years ago

      Hello Dean,

      Well have a look at the other appliances link to compare. I think I got some things for less than a 1k but they will buy in appliances so you'll get less margin. Also you may find better brands on the link I sent or somewhere like it- and this is what I'd do if I was designing your kitchen.. I'd ring up said company, tell them I need x,y and z and say I have a quote for x, what can they do. I also have ****! And so I just blatantly say.. "What can you throw in from the selection. So in this case if you find more from the one place you may be able to get more ££ off. Which you can then put towards the worktop. Negotiate!! it's all part of the process! I spend a lot of time looking for the absolute best and it's not all £££

      With the 3 k for units nearly what is their fitting cost. Ideally for a good appliance I think my range was about £600 or so... Better to spend more here as it will yield a higher end finish, as it looks expensive and last longer!

      Yes I agree - get some samples for the colour you like re the cabinets... certain finishes will bounce light more than others and so white might indeed be rather nice for you. I don't want to suggest gloss as I think it's dated but an eggshell would be better than a matt. Do share how you're getting on! :))

    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      So I get some nice handles wrapped in tin foil?
    • Grace Bloggs
      7 years ago
      I really like both designs. I see design 1 as being more evening socialising, sitting on a bar stool with a wine or beer with friends. The 2nd design is more versatile as you can move the table as needed, only pull it out when you need it, but its more of a traditional layout. I personally prefer the look of the 2nd.

      I understand what you state about the restrictions of having more drawers. Are they not available in other widths? Drawers are so much easier than cupboards in terms of accessing contents without stooping down and being able to stack items without causing an avalanche. Some companies make hidden drawers where it looks like a cupboard so it looks less busy. Have you looked at or ruled out IKEA?

      I would also consider an induction hob rather than a classic gas one. My understanding is that gas is preferable to cook with but induction hobs look smarter and require about 90% less cleaning. My metal hob looked really scratched and the symbols rubbed off and rubber feet perished within about 4 years.

      My last kitchen was white gloss slab from b&q. Really easy to clean and I did fear needing sunglasses but it wasn't that bad as there wasn't direct sunlight. we had 8 spotlights but only ever needed abut 4 on as it was so light but my kitchen was smaller than yours. hope that helps
    • User
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Thanks grace. I'll have a look at possible drawer layouts instead. I'm gonna look at a local company instead of Wickes. I think I can get it cheaper. I'm not a massive fan of IKEA. I sometimes find the cuts are in the wrong places and you can end up with wonky doors. I did some DIY cupboards above my bed in my room and they were wonky.

      Can't remember if I said above, the only direct sunlight is in the afternoon and will hit the wall opposite the oven most likely. I could put a mirror to bounce light around.
    • Angie
      7 years ago
      I prefer the B&Q version, but you're the one who will be living with it so go with what you like best! With regard to appliances, you don't have to get them from the same place as the units. There are plenty of online appliance suppliers that do good prices. You can order them direct and pay extra for fitting as needed.
      I work for a housing association and we have recently taken to installing drawer units rather than cupboards as it makes it easier for our elderly residents to get at the stuff they store. Large pan drawers in most places with a few cutlery type drawers seems to work well.
      We moved house a year ago and advice we were given was to wait before commencing major works. Wise advice as we've found living in the house has changed what we were thinking about how we'd use the space and the changes we planned to make. We've saved expensive errors by waiting. If you can wait to change the kitchen you'll find out how it works as it is which will inform how it should be.
      Angie
    • Angie
      7 years ago
      Just realised I said I prefer the B&Q version when I meant to say Wickes! But my preference is irrelevant as I won't be using the space...
      Have fun living in your new home.
      Angie
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