1930’s semi - best open plan layout for kitchen/diner or all open?
M Y
7 years ago
Our house is a 1930’s semi detached with an already extended kitchen. We currently have a living room, dining room and kitchen layout but are considering opening up the entire downstairs to have one big living/dining/kitchen space. Either that, or we open up the kitchen and dining room, but I’d like to have sofa/seat connected to where we eat/kids can do homework etc hence the idea to go all open plan. We currently don’t have a downstairs toilet and would like to add one (possibly under the stairs). The garage is used as a utility area with plumbing for washing machine and a condenser dryer. We store lots of stuff like bikes in the garage too. I was thinking of halving the garage with the front of it as a store and the back half as a proper utility/downstairs toilet area. I have no idea about steels, fire doors etc and there are probably a lot smarter ways to do this open plan thing, so any ideas are gratefully accepted! We can’t extend further out into the tiny garden.
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PROTimber Master LTD
7 years agoM Y
7 years agoRelated Discussions
Help layout & plans of my open plan kitchen diner & side extension
Comments (13)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...See MoreIs it possible to have a semi open plan kitchen diner? Please help!
Comments (6)What are you planning on doing with the current kitchen? You don't need all of the current kitchen space for the utility so why not have the kitchen running into that space and keep the dining room with the small nib near the dining room so the dining room still has a separate feel to it. If you then had a peninsula that Jen P mentions at the other end (say where the current utility wall is) is would definitely have the feel of being two separate spaces which you can connect further using the lighting and materials/colours used....See MoreOpen plan kitchen/diner/living room layout
Comments (7)I would say first and foremost that as this is a large project, you can't do without a concept planner or someone that can draw up your plans in 3D so that you can 'vitually' walk around what you have in mind. You need to pay attention to your access doorways, they aren't marked on either plan. You will need to have the kitchen on the left and access both the pantry and utility from there. Therefore you will negate the whole of that wall for access to those two rooms. Placement of furniture that you would like / need has to be thought about along with the build. It's just as important. The 1st floor doesn't seem to work as there is no access to the Family Bathroom on the plan. Obviously you know the actual shape of the stairs and there are no dimensions which makes it difficult. However, you may need to create a landing and thus you would, if you use the layout given have to sacrifice one of the bedrooms or change the plan. A planner is essential, one that can give you the rooms sizes that you want and utilise the space available....See MoreNew open plan kitchen / snug / diner layout
Comments (9)Hi Julie I think you’ve probably hinted at this yourself but you might be trying to squeeze too much into the space. It’s a good size room so you really have the opportunity to create a feeling of space. Re. the oven, I think that a tower with an eye level oven will actually balance the fridge freezer tower at the other end and will look fine. More practical to see food while cooking and considerably easier for handling. Also gives you the opportunity to have a 1 and a half or double oven which is well worth it if you can stretch to it. Hold firm with the hubby on the breakfast bar. Do you really need it when the dining table is less than a metre away? Far better to have the space to stretch out at the table which currently looks tight as others have said. Do you already have the sofa? If not, I would be tempted to buy a smaller two seater, an armchair and a footstool so you can be more flexible with the furniture. A large L shape like this will block the room off whichever way you position it and impede movement and make the room seem smaller. I don’t think anyone else has mentioned this but it might be worthwhile rethinking the lighting plan. I’m all for downlighters in the kitchen area but not in the living and dining zones. A really attractive statement pendant above the dining table would look great and if dimmed, give more atmosphere when dining. Similarly in the tv area, a pendant would look good or a smaller number of downlighters and functional dimmable floor lamps for atmosphere when you are watching tv or function if reading. Good luck with the renovations...See More
Mary Mary
7 years agoWe had a downstairs extension built and knocked through the kitchen back wall but we decided to have a dwarf wall to be able to zone areas. We have just recently had custom built internal bi fold doors fitted so we can still create a cosy living room feel. And when we want we just open it all up. Best of both worlds.
M Y thanked Mary MaryM Y
7 years agolast modified: 7 years ago
I have taken some pictures of the rooms as they are now (excuse the mess) as this might give some more perspective.
M Y
7 years agoM Y
7 years agoM Y
7 years agoThis is the layout in 3D. Also, how hard would it be to change water support/drainage?
titiankim
7 years ago
PROBraverman Kitchens
7 years ago
Sandra Marshall