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Design Dilemma
tora100

Anyone with a layout idea for the following kitchen diner?

Harri
7 years ago
Hello.

I'm attempting to design a new kitchen diner with the space drawn below. The room is 16x23ft for the biggest part and 15x14ft. The door on the right is to the utility room and can't be moved but anything else is moveable. I like those big sliding doors to view the garden which I'd like to put on the back and a kitchen island with seating but I'm lost to what would look good here and I'm not ready to do a one-one with a designer until I have a better idea myself. I like modern but not too mad. Any ideas anyone?
Featured Answer
  • PRO
    OnePlan
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    A good designer will needs slightly more info - like where the internal doors lead off too etc and then there's loads more questions if you want a kitchen that's suited to you and your family !
    It's more of a science than you'd think you know !

    Comments (32)

    • Harri
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      OnePlan - I am starting to understand that as my first attempt at designing this room was a real car crash. The only doors leading from the room is the one to the utility room on the right and the main one from the hall where the stairs are. We did consider moving this door (if needed) as it can move to anywhere on that wall as the hall is big enough and it won't affect the stairs.

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    • PRO
      User
      7 years ago

      Agree with OnePlan as usual, where is the garden?

    • Carolina
      7 years ago
      I think that what's missing in your question is the rest of the home. Is this an extension to an existing home? Is it part of the floor plan of a new built?
      What will help us visualise the 'flow' is seeing the rest of your home. You can add more images in a comment below.

      On a side note: OnePlan have drawn my new kitchen design (yet to be installed) and I can recommend them.
    • PRO
      Evolve Interior Design
      7 years ago
      I think that the best start would be write down your wish list in terms of "definitely yes", "definitely no" and "nice to haves if possible". Include what needs to be fitted in/ways you want to use the room/views you'd like to see etc, all of which will naturally determine the layout. Then it's the combination of the space planning and the materials and finishes that will pull it all together.

      A good designer needs this sort of list first, and you'll find that the dream kitchen will rise from that.....

      Give me a shout if you want any help unscrambling that list! Kate
    • Harri
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Hi.

      The house is a new build dormer bungalow and is going to be our forever home. I was confident about everything with the house design until I started looking at planning out the kitchen diner, now I've started questioning everything. Below is a rough version of the plan as the architect is currently doing the technical drawings. Now is the time to change things if needed. The kitchen is the most important room for me as I live in there.

      My wish list for the room is that it be a kitchen diner with a rectangle table for 6. An island with seating for 3 and a tiny sink just for the waste disposal. A pantry cupboard to hide the toaster/gadgets and an American fridge freezer. I also love those low profile sliding doors (as shown below) to the garden. The garden is at the back and right side of the property.
    • Carolina
      7 years ago
      Okay, I'm not a designer, but here are my ideas:
      Don't go for the American style fridge freezer, but go for a built in freezer and separate built in fridge. Way more fridge freezer space and it looks better in my opinion. And I have an American style fridge freezer now, so speaking from experience.

      Have you thought about double doors from the entry into the hall and then double doors into the kitchen, in the same line, both with glass, so when you enter your home you can see straight through to the garden? Just a thought.

      I'd probably put a kitchen counter with tall cabinets for ovens and FF on either side on the left (long) wall. An island parallel. A dining table at the end. I'd put a window in the short wall on the right perhaps.

      And then in the space on the right a seating area.

      Possibilities galore though.
    • PRO
      OnePlan
      7 years ago
      Sight lines could be improved if I'm honest - ie if you could add double glass doors into kitchen, so from front door you can see through to garden can aide the flow, add more natural light and add to the feeling of space in a building - things like this are tips that a designer can help you with ! Makes a big difference to the finished home !
    • Harri
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      I have say I thought of having double doors from the entrance into the hall but not into the kitchen too as a straight through view, which seems so obvious now as the extra light would help.

      Some great ideas suggested... I will have to have another play around with the design before going to a professional for the actual design.

      Anymore ideas, I'm open but thanks for everything so far.
    • minnie101
      7 years ago

      Hi Harri. i think for people to help much more detail is needed as to your requirements and how you live. Do you have any children? For example would it be better to swap tv room and bedroom round for access to the tv room from the kitchen plus have garden views? Or could you use that room for formal dining and have a seating area in the intended dining room? Is the utility also a boot room or perhaps for a muddy dog or do you dry your washing outside hence why its position has to stay as it's a little bit of a trek to the utility from the bedrooms? In terms of the kitchen have you decided on a style as there's quite a few in your ideabook and that may dictate layout to a certain degree? Is this a 1 person chef kitchen or more? What type, size and how many ovens do you want? Do you want to cook on the island so as to face family/guests or have a proper sink or neither? Do you have a microwave and if so is it to be hidden? I agree with Carolina re the American FF, do you also want a wine fridge? Your ideabook also shows a window seat and bookshelves are these on the Wishlist? I assume you're a keen cook so do you have any other requirements such as dedicated spice racks, space to store and use a food processor etc? You mentioned gadgets but it's easy to fill a cabinet with just a coffee machine etc so working how much you want to store is useful. Do you entertain a lot as a lot of people whom do find it useful to have 2 dishwashers and perhaps an extra fridge in the utility? Have you also calculated how much storage you need for items and food? I'd also recommend bin storage. I also think it's great to have sight lines from the front door through to the back but it would lose wall space so it depends on how big you need the actual kitchen to be. Or another option is to open up the entire back of the house and start the kitchen in the intended bedroom... There are loads of options with the space given it's size. I've waffled a lot (!) but going back to what was originally said I think you need to make an exact list of requirements and if this is to be your forever house then I really think it's worth getting time with an independent designer such as OnePlan who will design a kitchen specifically tailored to you.

    • Marisol Garces
      7 years ago
      I agree with most of the above comments; lots of good ideas.
      I just had my kitchen/ dining room changed into open plan. I blocked a door to the side of the house leading to the garden, and gutted the entire kitchen. During the planning process, I changed my mind several times. I got several kitchen designs from different suppliers and got estimates from 3 builders. Each one made different suggestions which helped me decide on the final design. The best advice I can think of is take your time and get lots of information before you decide. Good luck!
    • PRO
      Alban Gray Interiors
      7 years ago

      Hey there, My advise would be to collaborate on an idea book with someone if you are unsure, communicating with pictures can be much more effective as verbal communication like this leads to a lot of guess work. It's a nice middle ground between not being ready for a designer but still being able to work with one. It looks like you have a lovely space to work with, It just sounds as though you need some designs at this point to play with. There isn't a lot of information on here to work with and practicality is essential for a dining kitchen space. I have included a CAD design of a kitchen that has an island in it for some inspiration. I hope you find what you are looking for!!

    • PRO
      Darklight Design Ltd
      7 years ago
      last modified: 7 years ago

      Hi there Harri

      With regards to the lighting for your
      new kitchen, if you are having an island or peninsular I would consider using a
      set of 3 pendants above that area to
      define it (similar to the image below). For the dining space, I would recommend using recessed downlights
      with narrow beam outputs that are specific to the table. Recessed downlights over
      the table mean that you can re position your table for parties.
      Add in some perimeter lighting with the use of recessed downlights, wall lights or floor lamps - this will
      make the space really versatile. Having several lighting circuits will zone the
      areas so you can create the perfect environment for every occasion. Using
      simple dimmers or a lighting control system will further enhance the
      possibilities.

      Best of luck with your exciting project,
      Rich.

    • Harri
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Some really great ideas shared. I need to keep the downstairs bedroom as it'll be used weekly for a relative with mobility issues. I do have a young child which is one of the reasons I wouldn't want the cooking hob on the island.
    • minnie101
      7 years ago

      I can't design nor draw (or to scale) but maybe something like this? I'd have a shallow pantry in the corner so you have wortktop in front and to the side to use bits and bobs. I don't know what type of oven you want but would include pan drawers. I'd use the island for the dishwasher and bins if you want a waste disposal there. I've "drawn" a banquette seat for the dining table so you have a comfy seat with garden view. I personally would also go for a concealed extractor over the hob. I'd have the sliding doors in that L shape. I don't know if it's an issue with the soil pipe etc by swapping the bedroom round but I think it might be nice to have a play/tv room there so you can keep an eye on your child? I'd also include storage for toys in there

    • David Ruud
      7 years ago
      Besides what looks like a half bath / powder room...you have no other bathroom on the ground floor? You also mentioned your relative that stays with you on a regular basis? It would be good to have an accessible bath on that level. That utility room is fairly large and I of course don't know what all you're putting in there. I would think about turning the lounge area into the bedroom and putting the bath and closet in the utility space. I would keep your powder room. You don't want to have to go thru the bedroom to use the toilet throughout the day...interrupting your guest. Then just use what you'd planned for the bedroom as your lounge area. You'd have a nice view to the back yard then as well. Nowadays you can place the mechanicals and put in a stacked w/d just about anywhere. You could open up that whole side with the new lounge and tv room as one. You've got plenty of room for what your wishes are for the kitchen diner and dining room. You need a door from the hall to the kitchen of course but I don't think I'd open up the whole kitchen to the hall. Do you really want the kitchen to be in full view when you enter the front entry? By the way...where is your rear entry from the driveway or a garage? You could put one going into the kitchen on the backside of the new guest bath. Heck...you could add a small mud room addition with laundry and mechanical space. It really wouldn't need to be large at all. That is "if" that's the direction you take from the driveway and garage?
    • David Ruud
      7 years ago
      I forgot to mention I would use your dining room area as part of the kitchen space and your dining area would be at the back where you want the large glass doors. Then add the mud room to the backside of what is now your dining area. Easy access all around for everyone then I would think. So...just in case I didn't explain it well enough...your kitchen would take up the space that is now the dining room and also extend into the space you planned for the kitchen. But there would be plenty of room left at the back for your dining area.
    • David Ruud
      7 years ago
      CORRECTION! The mud room would be on the backside of the current utility room...as I initially said. I'm tired. ;^)
    • Harri
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      I'm loving all the ideas you are bringing to the table. It's really made me think about the space all over again. I've switched the bedroom and TV room now as it makes more sense with my child running around. I've also decided to add a step into pantry to the design to hide the microwave and other appliances. More than anything though, all of you have made me think about how the space works in reality, rather than just a design on paper.
    • PRO
      Howard Wilson Robinson Design
      7 years ago

      Look i may be getting the wrong end of the stick here, so correct me If i am wrong or misunderstood the process or anything, but I design handmade kitchens and fitted furniture for a living, and have been doing so for forty odd years at the top end of the market, so please explain how Houzz is benefitting me by giving my advice of 40 years of experience for free ? I really dont understand how this site is supposed to work. When I see a client I make two visits [ to wherever in UK ] one to meet client a talk about their requirements, and the second to show them my drawings [ hand done in the old A1 'Blueprint' method ] . Now I do all this free, on spec, but there is no way I would leave those drawings with them without a financial commitment from them. So why should I be doing it here, you are asking professional people to sort your kitchen out for free ? I am not being awkward, I just dont get it.

    • minnie101
      7 years ago

      @ Howard Wilson Robinson - I don't think anyone is expecting a full kitchen design however 5 minutes of a pro's free time can actually prove invaluable to a poster to help with practical, safety issues, rough layout etc etc. You may also potentially find it benefits the pro as so many people read the design dilemma column that it actually promotes their services and therefore in some ways you are gaining free advertising. I'm not being cyclical when I say that as so many people love to help for free particularly for people who have already engaged a professional but for whatever reason the design isn't working or perhaps those on a low budget or just because they enjoy their job so much.

    • PRO
      Home By Design Ltd
      7 years ago
      I would love to work with you on this!

      Super exciting project!
    • Harri
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Howard Wilson Robinson - As much as I understand your comments above, we can all have a good moan about how the Internet is affecting our sales. I'm self employed IT professional, can I have a rant about every forum and YouTube video out there giving IT help and support and takes away my potential clientele? Bottom line, this is the world we live in today where people like doing some research themselves first before committing to a project.

      As for expecting professionals on here to design my kitchen for me, not at any point did I specifically ask the professionals to do that, I wanted anyone and everyones opinions but I'm very grateful they took the time to share theirs.

      As I mentioned in my earlier posts, the whole point of this discussion was to sort out my ideas before going to a professional who will do the design in detail.
    • Marisol Garces
      7 years ago
      Harri, you can go to a kitchen supplier, such as B&Q, Howdens, Ikea, Wickes, and get them to design your kitchen. They'll cone to your house to measure your space and they will give you their designs and estimates. There should be no cost for this, and you don't have to commit to buy if you don't want to. Seeing the different designs should help you visualise what would or would not work for you.
    • PRO
      OnePlan
      7 years ago
      Wowser - at last a pro who's been going longer than me !! Hats off to you Mr Howard Wilson Robinson Designs !! I've just checked out your pro page ! Undoubtable quality and stunning craftsmanship !!

      I give the odd bit of advice when I can ! Even when I am very busy with work, as for me - if I can help someone who otherwise may have made a mistake - or lost an opportunity to do something brilliant that is reward enough . The people I do help appreciate I need to make a living - like everyone else... and as yet - I've not had anyone take advantage. I get recommended to others, who are in a position to pay for an independent design, by those I've helped in many cases. So for me it's not only fulfilling my 'want to help ' nurture instinct - but does pay back in work too !
    • PRO
      Howard Wilson Robinson Design
      7 years ago

      Thanks for the kind comment, I guess i am getting a bit cynical, in my old age but people have taken advantage of my good nature [ believe it or not LOL] in the past. I was the first to use a false chimney breast and overmantel going back to early Smallbone days, 40 odd years ago, I studied period furniture and interiors so that was what i wanted to do, to bring period style design and quality back into kitchens, and elsewhere in the period house, and I cant get copyright of course, because I just brought the ideas into play rather than designed the features myself. Now overmantels and Belfast sinks and T+G boards are everywhere!!! I also do all my drawings by hand, and sometimes they get nicked, so I am a bit wary. It looks like you have enough help here anyway, sorry for coming across a bit shirty.


    • A B
      7 years ago

      I find it a really innovative form of advertising. I like most people hate adverts, don't click on the links etc. But if I see a designer give advice I like on here I become familiar with their name, often click on their pro page etc. No idea if it's effective for you as pros though

    • PRO
      User
      7 years ago

      Beyond your desired look and feel, you need to have a list of appliances that need to be included in the layout. Most technical kitchen design is about how to fit all the appliances in. Cabinets tend to fit into place around them. I've noticed also that you want folding sliding doors (FSDs). They are very fashionable at the moment but come with certain issues you should be aware of. Firstly, they come with a lot of moving parts. Over time, new walls and door openings tend to settle and can cause issues with the ease of opening. When open, FSD panels take a up a surprising amount of space. You need to include that space in your plan. Of course, they can open to the outside but that could impede the flow of people outside. Consider large sliding doors or stacking sliding doors instead. If you're set of FSDs try to go with standard sizes as they tend to be less expensive than custom sizes. That applies to any doors/windows.

    • Laurena Guinan
      4 years ago

      We are converting our garage and putting on a rear extension. The extension is not in the plan attached. I'm looking for ideas for kitchen layout. I'd love an island if at all possible but don't know if it's feasible? The garage measures 15ft8" by 8ft3" without insulation

    • Laurena Guinan
      4 years ago

      Apologies! Thought I was putting up a post of my own, not jumping on someone elses..first time user!

    • PRO
      OnePlan
      4 years ago

      You’ll soon get the hang of things Laura ! Welcome to Houzz !

    • PRO
      OnePlan
      4 years ago

      Thanks auto correct - Laurena

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