Help for 1-bed Victorian Flat Layout

9 years ago

Hi, We are looking for help in planning and renovating our one bedroom flat. Our main aim is to make the most of the space and create a better Kitchen area. We are struggling to come up with ideas on how to 'tweak' the bathroom and kitchen layout. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Featured Answer

Jonathan

9 years ago

It obviously depends on the budget. You could split the bedroom into a kitchen and small bathroom (and use the former kitchen/bathroom as a bedroom).
This way you could get access to the garden from all of the principal rooms

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Comments (20)

A B
9 years ago
What is the cellar like? Any chance of moving the bathroom down there?
jonathan Codling thanked A B
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jonathan Codling
Original Author
9 years ago
The cellar has the floor space to accommodate a bathroom but unfortunately we would need to dig down to create the ceiling height, so I think budget wise not an option (although we have not looked into the this tbh). Jonathan, thank you for you suggestion! That is not an idea we had not generated and is great food for thought. I know that the right hand side of the hallway is supporting for the upstairs stairs but the wall between the lounge and the reception room is a standard supporting wall so probably easy to modify and support with an RSJ. Budget wise we are fairly flexible but obviously would like to maximise the space for as cheaply as possible. Although, if someone can come up with a incredible idea we may be swayed.
kiwimills
9 years ago
for the cost, Jonathan has a pretty fab idea!!
PRO
Create Perfect
9 years ago
jonathan Codling, have you looked at if any walls can be removed?

We offer a layout package which looks a lots of different options when it comes to the layout of your new space. One of the options we would look at first with your project would be if you could move the bedroom and compact (but well thought out) bathroom into the back area and then open up the corridor to create a large open plan kitchen space in the middle. Something like this:
jonathan Codling thanked Create Perfect
PRO
User
9 years ago
Obviously everything depends on 1 Budget and 2, drains.

Decide upon the budge and look in to where you may or may not be able to move the water and sewerage pipes. The simplest plan would be this one, that makes use of where everything is already:-
The second would be more costly due to the use of more steelwork and moving the drains, bi-fold doors on to the garden etc, but gives you a better layout in my opinion:-
jonathan Codling thanked User
jonathan Codling
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you all for the suggestions. So many options that we had never considered. In briefly talking to a structural engineer we understand that the right side wall of the hallway is tricky to move as it it is supporting the staircase in the flat above. We are asking about this as the hallway is such a waste of space in a small flat. With all of the suggestions above we have come up with this idea

My real worry is that the bathroom would be incredibly small. We are quite happy to compromise on the bathroom to open up the living spaces but, even by our imagination this may be pushing the boundaries. We have thought about making it more of an L shape to where the door to the bathroom currently sits.

Thanks all for your suggestions.
acew1234
9 years ago
I'm no expert on this but I think the shower room position and size would become an issue. I'd put a small ensuite shower room in your bedroom. Maybe if you feel you need a loo for guests put that in the small room off the kitchen.
jonathan Codling
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks all. We have started to consider the design below. We are aboviously open to all ideas and comments. Would anyone be able to recommend a structural engineer or interior designer/architect (a bit of a one stop shop) who could help with the re-design of our flat. We are based in Clapham, South-West London.
Thanks again for all of your helpful suggestions.

Ps. keep them coming if there are any further changes they have honestly been so helpful to complete novices!
PRO
Create Perfect
9 years ago
Hi Jonathan, I would start by getting some quotes in. You may find that working with a concept designer/interior designer and just employing an architect and structural engineer for the drawings and sign off, is cheaper than using a 'one stop shop'.

I can send you some prices and details of the general process to start you off if you send me a personal message on my profile.

I like the new layout. I put the whole bathroom in the bedroom to keep the living space a little more open but I think your layout works well in principle and gives you the WC available for guests.. you just need to make sure this won't be a challenge to fit water and wastes :)

Best of luck
jonathan Codling thanked Create Perfect
A B
9 years ago
I like the idea of moving the kitchen into the bedroom. But I think it would be a mistake to split up the shower and toilet. It looks like there is room to have a wet room off at the back of your bedroom (with some clever storage), which would save you the expense of moving the plumbing/waste pipe.

In general people don't like toilets coming off living spaces. If you do want a bathroom separate from your bedroom for guests I would go with Jonathan's idea (which is the best use of space imo but more expensive). Good luck!
Jonathan
9 years ago
Although the Hall wall is supporting the stairs you should be able to put an opening into it.
Could you not create a new entrance to what is currently the kitchen which would then mean you could have a better shower room.
kiwimills
9 years ago
Do you need a wall? Have a large kitchen diner . put a beam up if needs be.
J
9 years ago
Jen P's plan looks the best I've seen in this thread imo.
kiwimills
9 years ago
Guests trooping through your bedroom is not fun, also resale...puts others off.

I had it once like that, friends staying over night needing a wee at 4 am

Again..not fun

Def try and have a bathroom not in your bedroom. Two way is fine...semi ensuite, but not just ensuite.

When the gas man needs a leak...
Jonathan
9 years ago
Alternative idea if you want a bathroom rather than a shower room. I think it is important that guests can use a wc without going through your bedroom
minnie101
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Would something like this be feasible? It's not totally to scale btw and I've lopped off the corner of the shower room plus I can't get the photo the right way up! Ikea do slim depth wardrobes. I'd have a pocket door on the shower room. I'd put a window seat and dining table in the bay (I'd go for a pedestal table so it can be pushed back against the seat). The kitchen seems a little wide for a galley so would have larder, fridge/freezer etc on the left.
PRO
Create Perfect
9 years ago
Love that Jonathan!
PRO
User
9 years ago
I think Jonathan may have it there!!
PRO
Maryna Drobot at Cinnamon Space
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago