Open plan kitchen/dining soft seating layout help!

10 years ago

We are having an extension which will mean we can end up an open plan space around 9 metres X 6. In it I would like kitchen/dining & soft seating area (we will still have a separate living room and "corridor" utility). I am driving everyone mad with making a decision on the layout. What is everyone's thoughts on this? Please take into consideration that the attached layout is based on a modern kitchen but I think I will be going more traditional shaker style. We are a family of 4, 2 kids age 12 & 9. Do you think the soft seating area is too big?

Featured Answer

Jonathan

10 years ago

If the kids come in from the garden through the utility then perhaps this should be closed off so you don't see shoes etc. There is also an arguement to have an extra wc near the back door.

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Comments (11)

PRO
OnePlan
10 years ago
A utility well over 6m long is oversized .
And it's got the best view of the garden ?

Why not shorten the corridor utility to simply the area behind the stairs and make the main lounge double aspect ?

Or design the kitchen and a utility area in the utility corridor and have more leisure space in the area on the right where kitchen currently drawn ?

There's so many options to look at here ! Not just what you have on this drawing !
adelehawes
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for this and I take your point, the thing is (the plans don't show this but the Utility leads through to a busy office), I need the Utility close at hand as I am constantly juggling work and laundry! It also won't really look like a Utility thanks to some integrated appliances, joinery and a seating area.
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Thanks for these. Im not sure if we can do the extra corner bit for number five, but I do like the layout, it will depend on cost, also don't need two tv areas, as we have a front lounge in the house anyway. the office was supposed to be a mixed use room, as a playroom with kids storage and also an occasional bedroom, so sofa bed In there. I know many people have hobs and sinks on islands, but I just think i'll end up dumping things on there.. I have four in the family, two adults, two kids, but we have a lot of people round for entertaining and parties, so space is what I'm after, but was also looking for somewhere the kids can go out of the way from adults if need be. As for kitchen, the reason for having large larder is to put not only food/drink spare fridge in there, but also things we don't use all that often in the kitchen, equipment etc.. I like everything clean and hidden away. The office on number 5 would be separate anyway as this concept includes sliding doors, which fold into the wall, so only entrance would be from outside, not sure if I can afford these yet though. Please keep suggestions coming, or alternatives, all welcome as I can't visualise.. thanks
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Hello Karen, WOW what a fantastic project and this open plan space looks incredible. I feel the positioning of the living area and dining area works well and makes complete sense from what you have said about the views etc. My concern is the kitchen as I feel the current position/layout is a bit of an obstruction and to me the space does not flow efficiently and effectively. I would switch the island around so it sits the opposite way and then you could potentially have your hob on the island which will sit in front of the tall units where your ovens and fridge will be. This way the kitchen layout will work a lot better. I have attached a quick sketch below so you can see what I mean. Also this way it will give you more room around your dining table meaning the whole space will flow a lot better. You have asked quite a few questions here so I would be more than happy to discuss all of this through an online video design consultation. I provide a personalised design service by working closely with my clients to create a space that reflects their personalities and way of living. I would love to talk in more detail with you about this exciting project, so please do get in touch and we can look at ways to see how I can help to create your dream space. Regards, Hannah
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Hm, ok, I played a bit with your layout. Top one was assuming the bedroom was a spare. Bottom one with a shared bathroom, a toilet and a good sized utility (vacuum, washing machine, hanging some clothes outside). Personally I'd prefer the L-kitchen as it would leave more living space and a corner unit (I love those Lemans types), 3x 90cm drawers on the cooking side and 4x 60cm fronts on the sink side. Massive sectional sofa, just because I could.
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bookworm987
10 years ago
I think your soft seating area is a good size, and your kitchen/dining layout seems to work well. But, like Oneplan, I'm confused by your utility layout. Are those two sets of double doors necessary, in addition to the bifold doors and back door? Do you really want the utility open to the kitchen?Consider the noise level, especially as you have a TV there too.

How about closing off the space halfway between the two double doors. Change the double door on the left to a window so that you can have some storage against that wall; or have a single door here and change the end door to a window so you can have an L shaped layout. Then use the space in front of the remaining double door for a small table and chairs - I would sit here with my coffee to check emails or read the papers!
PRO
Amanda Neilson Interiors
10 years ago
Hello! I do think the L shaped sofa takes a lot of space and the corner part is often tricky to sit on. How about a smaller 2 seater sofa and 2 x armchairs - try swivel chairs so they are good to look at from all angles. There's one called Cinema swivel chair from Heal's which is a good looking chair and you could fit 2 onto it at a push...
adelehawes thanked Amanda Neilson Interiors
bookworm987
10 years ago
Oops didn't see your reply to Oneplan until after I posted! I see you point about the office. Would still consider closing off utility though but maybe that's just me- my utility is always really untidy!!
adelehawes
Original Author
10 years ago
That's OK Bookworm, I gathered that! I think you are right about closing the Utility off.
Alecia
10 years ago
I think this a great space! Given it is a family space in could consider putting the kitchen at the other end so that the lounge area looks out onto the garden through the open doors, managing your inside and outside social space a bit better?
adelehawes
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks Alecialondon, that's was exactly my first thoughts although kitchen company and builder are saying that I should have kitchen at garden end so you don't have to walk through the soft seating area from the garden and that the breakfast bar acts as a server to the garden. I am so confused!!! Its great to hear everyone's opinions and I appreciate all the comments.
Alecia
10 years ago
I guess it depends how often you use the garden… In the UK (with our delightful weather!!) I know my main entry to the kitchen will be via the main entrance not the garden! We are actually building a similar sized extension at the moment on our terraced house and we have opted to put the lounging area at the rear - and our kitchen designer had a different idea too! We chose to ignore them as we like to think that when we entertain we can use the garden and move the sofa around and make the indoor outdoor space very sociable. Also it means that the children have better access to the garden from the sofa and aren't running under your feet in the kitchen if they want to go outside (this was important to us as we have a toddler and one on the way, so we wanted to avoid hot water, hobs and skipping toddlers!). It is such a minefield, I feel your pain!!
adelehawes thanked Alecia
adelehawes
Original Author
10 years ago
That's a really good point and actually the kids can use the Utility entrance if its just them in and out....you have got me thinking! ....again!!!

Open plan kitchen/dining soft seating layout help!

Jonathan

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Open plan kitchen/dining soft seating layout help!

Jonathan

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