Echoey kitchen diner

7 years ago

Hi, we have a long and narrow open plan kitchen diner which we are finding very echoey. It is difficult to hear in a normal conversation and a struggle when we have friends over. We have full length lined curtains for the french doors and a matching blinds for the kitchen window for texture.

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minnie101

7 years ago

Hi. Plants are meant to help as are books but I can see you've got A few books. If you want a cheap option you could try a rug under the table. They look nice but it depends on how you feel re practicality of that...do you have a rug in the living rom to borrow to see if it makes any difference or try cushions on the chairs?

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User
7 years ago
Quite oossible changing the flooring will do the trick. Go for Wood plank maybe, you'll have to skim the tiles first. Carpet is always best for lessening sound, but not practical in a kitchen and probably not for a room that opens directly on to the garden either.
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Looks good! Based on the dimensions you gave I think you have enough width in the room to have an island and dining table provided you don't have barstools at the island. Maybe you could have them at one end if you fancied it but perhaps you don't need it with the table right there. The only thing I would say is that the fridge freezer is quite far away from your working space which could be a bit impractical. Perhaps move it to where the tall larder cupboards are going instead? You could use that nook as open pantry storage for 'attractive' items like pasta in storage jars etc. Do get in touch if you'd like any additional help with design, space planning or layout drawings. Good luck with your project! Jennifer
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I agree with Jen P, if you need to leave that bit but the other nibs can go then I would try incorporating it into your design. it could hold a small breakfast bar style section on the kitchen side and art work on the dining side. Embrace it and use it to zone the areas. As Jonathan suggested, you need to start by working out what can happen with the walls and if permissions are needed, then when you start designing the kitchen itself I would look at how you can use it within the design. To answer your original question - Yes - If this were mine, or belonged to one of my clients I would make it into a gorgeous kitchen/diner that you can enjoy not only when entertaining but everyday!
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Your house looks a similar dimension to my house which I just sold. I kept the wall dividing the receptions rooms but took the wall down between the kitchen and back reception room. My kitchen was in a little out rig (original not extension) but i think you could do something similar? https://www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/detailMatching.html?prop=50634231&sale=5936314&country=england
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Yes we needed an RSJ and all of the walls underpinning as there were no foundations. Was very costly but definitely worth it as we live in that end of the house. I think that With having an older property, costs do just spiral. I can’t remember how much the RSJ was, sorry. i think our building work was about £25000. Can you leave the fireplace in and have it open so you can see it from both sides? Then have your kitchen and dining in the current lounge and your living area where it is at the moment but open it up apart from the firePlace? We’ve left in our old exposed stone work and cleaned it up.
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PRO
OnePlan
7 years ago
Cork flooring is the best for sound absorption - if you can get past the look of cork ?! Or use cork to bulk out canvas prints, in addition to the excellent advice of previous posters !
mrsas
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you very much for the comments and suggestions. I might try adding plants which will add colour and a touch of nature. Any suggestions for a nice indoor plant?
User
7 years ago
Cork is coming back into fashion, used in unusual ways. Try soft furnishings, drapes, rugs, and a cork notice board. I saw it in one pic used on stair risers!
PRO
Leon Smith Architects
7 years ago
Acoustics is a very specialised subject. To get it completely right, speak to an acoustic engineer. However, non-expert advice is that you seem to have a lot of hard surfaces, all of which will reflect sound and cause an echo. Try hanging a large fabric painting from one of the blank walls in the dining space. Also get some pendant lights with fabric shades. that will likely help.
Echoes can be reduced by the introduction of soft furnishings.
Best of luck.
Leon
PRO
Studio Trench
7 years ago
As Leon Smith arch say, Soft furnishings, rugs, upholstery on chairs, all help to absorb sound, rather than reflect it, which is what happens when sound waves hits hard surfaces.

here are some great acoustic felt rolls from a company called buzzispace that look great but also help absorb sound. these could be glued to the walls as cool looking strips and also above the table on the ceiling,

You room shape acts like a tunnel also I suspect - echos work best in tunnels if i remember as child shouting into them
Flo G
7 years ago
with respect to suggestions about indoor plants, peace lilies are rated top by nasa for absorbing chemicals in the air, according to their clean air study. florists chrysanthemums were also at the top with the peace lily.
mrsthing
7 years ago
Add as many textiles as you can as they don't bounce the sound around, e.g. rugs, fabric wall hangings, cushions. Maybe even a free-standing fabric screen which could be used to conceal part of the kitchen when you're all seated?
Denise Roberts
7 years ago
Rug! Flat weave, one that sits larger then your dining table and one that can cope with food dropping on it. I have one that is 200cm by 300 cm and all six chairs and table sits nicely on it even when they are pulled out! IKEA it can be washed easily too!
Pauline cotton
7 years ago
A folding fabric screen between kitchen and dining area. Canvas prints or paintings on the wall (needs quite a large one) and maybe a hard wearing rug in front of the back door (it will also trap dirt and stop it being traipsed into the house). IKEA do some quite good rugs that are not too expensive.
Liz Tempest
7 years ago
These would help!
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
7 years ago
Hello mrsas,

A simple way already discussed would be a rug. I also personally like the idea of cork.. Plus it's also rather warm but may not fair well in heavy traffic with food.. Tiles are more practical such as the ones you have..

Looking at the room as a whole it may be that you need to add something to the room.. It's quite bare with cabinet in the corner and two walls quite empty. Perhaps consider a dresser on that right hand wall and move the corner cabinet to the opposite side perhaps. :))
Jayk
7 years ago
All of the above. Anything to counter the preponderance of hard surfaces. I particularly like the idea of a folding fabric screen that can be unfolded when you have guests. And what about a tablecloth? Do you use one? There are plenty of designs available to suit all tastes and environments.
Lorraine Wilson-Brown
7 years ago
I think everyone has already suggested what I would have done. A rug, seat pads, something on the walls, a fabric light shade and plants.

Echoey kitchen diner

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Echoey kitchen diner

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