New Kitchen Challenge! Help!!!
I've been to a few kitchen experts but I keep getting back the same design.
I really need some advise!!!
PS. The door at the end of the room is to a utility room and at the opposite end we have a sunroom.
Comments (24)
A S
7 years ago
PROOnePlan
7 years agoRelated Discussions
Help us stop our new kitchen from going clinical!
Comments (43)I thought I'd update everyone as to what we settled on as most of you won't have seen the finished post. Went went for Little Greene French Pale Grey on the walls and then a Grey Quartz worktop which had worked quite well. To stop it from being clinical, we opted for some textured wallpaper in the dining area which is Bala Storm (I think) from John Lewis. We then added some natural tones using a wooden table, and then Vitra chairs. Along with wooden fruit bowl etc. The main window will have wooden venetian blinds, and the bay windows will probably be done in a darker grey material as the perfect fit style blinds you find in conservatories...See MoreHelp with finishing new kitchen diner
Comments (18)I would definitely keep the rug, it adds a little pop of colour and lifts the neutral colour scheme, but I wouldn't go too bold and I wouldn't conceal the windows because it makes the room so lovely and light If it were me, I would add splashes of colour here and there accessorising with similar turquoise'y blue/orange'y red colours to pick out those in the rug and dot around some large glass containers with fruit in (edible art!!). A large mirror on the wall would look lovely with some sconces either side, on which you could sit some beautiful vibrantly coloured orchids/candles/vases etc. Then perhaps some shelves above the cupboard by the door with some brightly coloured glassware/jugs. You said you have some young children, what about framing some of their little pictures and putting them up under the shelves? I did something similar in my kitchen and it livens it up a bit (see below) I would also think about perhaps replacing the shade on the standard lamp with something to pick up with the rug, or perhaps match it to the ceiling one Have fun!...See MoreHelp - new open plan living area layout challenge
Comments (11)You could have a sofa on the wall that backs on to children's play room, with a pair of swivel chairs opposite ( so can chat to people at dining table too ) and a fireplace or tv on the right wall centrally between them (in the area marked 3500)Have the dining table under where second rooflight is drawn - and have a further pair of swivel Chairs in the window/door area overlooking garden, to watch the children play outside ? But that's just one option... there's lots you can do with this space ! This is the sort of design dilemma we often help with in conjunction with a freelance specific design for your kitchen - (so you can shop around with your own plan) as they are all linked within the space, we usually draw the whole area as part of the design process......See MoreHELP!! How to lay out our new kitchen. I am going mad!
Comments (15)Hi Ben, As we get into the nitty gritty details with measurements and everything, then that starts to really get into a checking everything, very time-consuming situation to make sure all the elements of your project will fit and work out. I am retired now, but may I suggest once we get the big stuff laid out, then you (if you feel confident) or get a professional to check over the entire plan to make sure everything works for the measurements, spaces, appliances you are looking at, etc. A kitchen designer may help, but would really try to find someone who can 'consult' on the whole plan. That way you know everything checks out when it comes time to do the buiding works & installation. If you have a kitchen designer as well, usually part of the kitchen sales package, they can then double check all of the kitchen & utility stuff. What I can do is tell you in functional terms what I know will work better for layout given your building constraints, day-to-day living, etc. First, I like the row of tall cabinets along the left side - this will allow for optimum storage - even a coat closet in the first cabinet if there isn't enough space in the entry. Plus for all the dishwear you may not use everyday but are helpful for extra guests, and for the option of sticking in a built-in microwave & coffee maker, if not another better place. So if you can keep this, then great. If not, then it can be configured partially or wholly like your standard kitchen units. Plan 1 - this plan depends on how you want to use the island and the dimensions of it (if it is big enough). Sink ideal in island really. The sink doesn't have to be centered, but there needs to be at least 30cm on the smaller side of it min as you don't want dishes falling off - 50-60cm is ideal of course. Dishwasher - If you are left handed, put your dishwasher just right of the sink and if you are right handed, put it just left of the sink. Range on other side of utility door Fridge as is Plan 2 - Island clear Sink other side of utility door Sink placement makes dishwasher placement tricky - if enough space then to right of sink Range on right side wall Fridge as is Plan 3 - Island clear Sink on right side wall (if plumbing is doable) Dishwasher - If you are left handed, put your dishwasher just right of the sink and if you are right handed, put it just left of the sink. Range on other side of utility door Fridge as is Plan 4 - Built-in coffee / microwave station in tall cabinet where Rridge is shown now Sink ideal in island really. The sink doesn't have to be centered, but there needs to be at least 30cm on the smaller side of it min as you don't want dishes falling off - 50-60cm is ideal of course. Dishwasher - If you are left handed, put your dishwasher just right of the sink and if you are right handed, put it just left of the sink. Range on other side of utility door Fridge at the end of the cabinetry on the right wall All of these layout plans give you a useable and functional working zone (usually triangle shaped for sink - range - fridge) that isn't too spread out to become a neusance. Also, they each aford you a viable counter prep space or two for chopping and preparing your meals. Your partner may think you are mad, but that is why people hire designers - because most plans need to be worked and reworked, taking in to account loads of factors, preferences, and incorporating great design as well as dealing with copius measurements. This is why hours and hours can and often should be spent on getting things right in the planning. I can't tell you the number of houses I've visited where people have had work done that just didn't function well for them in the end. It is worth it to spend the time over it now and if you need to - hire help or get a professional to double-check you work. It usually saves money and hopefully loads of frustration down the road. Best wishes and Good Luck!...See More
PROBespoke Living Chiswick Ltd
7 years ago
Daisy England
7 years ago
PROAlpha Windows
7 years ago
Claire Nicholson
7 years agoHi Niamh,
What an exciting project!
We have recently been through something very similar and I have to say having visited several (including high end!) kitchen shops we left feeling a bit deflated and unexcited! I think the problem is they just focus on the kitchen (understandably) and not the whole picture (or at least a big chunk of your downstairs!)
As OnePlan recommended above we used an independent designer and having spoken with or met with a few different professionals from here on Houzz, for a number of reasons we went with Gina from Create Perfect, who has been amazing from start to finish (highly recommended!)A talented designer will be able to come up with designs that really work for you and your family and will be able to share 3D rendered images of exactly how the space will look and feel. We were super lucky and Gina even did YouTube videos for us of a virtual walk around of the space, so we could weigh up different options.
What's easy to forget is that with a good designer you also benefit from all of their trade discounts, so whilst they might cost a little bit of money up front (hundreds not thousands!) you will undoubtedly save in the long run.
Gina also liaised with kitchen companies etc on our behalf to make sure we were getting exactly what we needed!
I'm not sure if this is helpful but having just been through it ourselves I would have spent the money we spent on a designer 10 times over and for what you'll spend on kitchens and building works it really is a small investment and makes the whole process a lot less stressful and a lot more fun
Here are a couple of pics from ours of where we started and where we're at so far... still lots of bits to do before we finish but you'll get the general idea...
Before we had 3 small and dated rooms...
The 3D renders we chose as our final design (one of 6 layouts Gina came up with)...
And so far (still waiting for a lot of furniture)...
Hope it helps!
Carolina
7 years ago
A B
7 years agoCarolina
7 years agoCarolina
7 years agoA S
7 years agoCarolina
7 years agominnie101
7 years agoHi. If I'm understanding Carolina correctly (and depending on storage requirements etc) I'd do the same with a faux door through to the utility. The 2nd pic gives a rough idea of layout. I might also see what the sink looks like just under one window and lose the drainer personally, should give ample stacking space? Would it also be possible to move the utility door to the hall? Depending on utility requirements it could be easier for washing? I do agree with earlier comments though re investing (it's a small investment!) in a design specifically tailored to you, it costs a fraction of the kitchen cost and particularly if you're not happy with designs offered so far!
Also looking forward to seeing OnePlan and Carolina's collaboration!
Carolina
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoNiamh
7 years agoNiamh
7 years ago
PROCroydon Window Company Ltd
7 years agoHi Niamh, dependant n your budget, bi-folding doors would be ideal for your dining area, opening up the space. Here are some examples of our projects....
Niamh
7 years agoOk so I got a new kitchen design based on all the great some given in this thread, what you think? Windows beside diminish table will be changed to patio door.
- PRO
OnePlan
7 years ago 
PROPWJ Architects Ltd
7 years agoNiamh
7 years agominnie101
7 years ago
Inline Designs