I think your pictures are out of order are they? I'm really not keen on either layout. Having had an awkward shaped kitchen, I would never lay it out around corners again, the walking between things is quite awkward. Are you knocking 2 rooms together? Is there any way you can square it off a bit by pinching some space from another room? Can you have some glass doors to the garden somewhere in the room? Could you make the little extra tag into a pantry or laundry cupboard, therefore needing less units so they fit in one space?

No need to apologise. I haven't felt that it's right too but don't know how to fix it. We originally didn't want to block up the door, but then decided we had to do it to make it flow better. But still doesn't feel right. Here is the floor plan for the ground floor. We didn't want to do any structural works if possible but we might have to consider it if it makes the space more usable.

I would like an island even if it's a small one as I think it's useful prep work space. The other problem we have is the sloped alcove with a low window. We eventually thought we'll make it useful by putting a breakfast bar there looking out to the garden but then it feels a little out of the way from the main kitchen (if that makes sense?)

Hi Jen, the photos are in order. It's probably the weird shape that's putting you off! ;) I did think if having a sliding door to the low window alcove too, but I can't remember now why we stopped looking at that option. I think it was because the alcove slopes slightly from the top and it has a little roof of its own outside. Sorry I don't understand what you mean by what the 'extra tag' do you mean the area between the back door and the internal window?

That sounds like an idea Jen! Thanks! I'll need to check that the study room is a good size still after as we're thinking of using it as an occasional spare room when we have extra guests.

Hi Jean, yes this is something we are considering, but being as all the plumbing is in the kitchen part of the house, and no drainage, we've been given the impression that is going to be too costly. But that way, we think we solve a lot of issues and I can half the current kitchen as a utility and storage room.

I have dimensions of the room in case it helps?

The rate we're going. It will be months and months before we start works! :(

Oh wow! I went by today and on top of having a funny shape kitchen, it has a manhole between the garden door and the internal window! (What did we just buy?!) So Jen's idea might not work. But yes, met with a builder today and he mentioned getting a proper floor plan done up and consider options. He recommended a structural engineer and detailers. What are concept planners? Are they designers? What do you do Jonathan? You got the drain budget spot on to the builder today when I pressed him for an amount just to give me an idea.

What are the L shapes behind the kitchen?

I'm still not sure where the internal window is!! If you are not going to use the snooker room for a snooker table what else would you use it for? It is a very odd layout- seems a shame to use the 'original' part of the house for storage/utility but also huge wasted space in the snooker room if you don't move the kitchen there. Lots of decisions!

If I was you, I'd think about what I need from the space, then work with a concept planner to maximise it

Hi Jonathan and Jen, may I ask your advice pls? As mentioned before, builders have advised that I should get a detailed floor plan and then use these to consider options. My dilemma is whether this is necessary or shall I consider options with a planner/ designer prior to getting the floor plans? Also are floor plans only from structural engineers? As you can tell, I'm completely new to this. :}

Hi all. Thanks so much for your comments last month. We have today received first draft of plans and I'll share it here. I wanted your thoughts on 2 things.

Firstly, the lounge area before entering into the new kitchen dinner. Do you think it has a good flow from the hallway? I'm not sure about it but can't put a finger on what it is. The lounge room has an original parquet flooring which I would like to keep if possible which is why the shape has been kept.

Secondly, to get an open hall with natural light as one of my 'nice to haves' the proposed drawing has taken the front porch away. I'm not sure about losing the porch but it was mentioned that if I wanted natural light that was how I was going to get it. But we use our current porch so much for shoes, scooters that I am reluctant to lose that space.

Would welcome to hear your thoughts!

Thanks J(s)! It was a builder's idea to move it, but we dismissed it as we were not thinking of doing any re-modelling. When Jean from Diminishing Returns suggested it again and after Jonathan's drawing, it really put everything into perspective, so here we are!

The problem with what was the dining room, which is the proposed lounge is that it is very much a 'walk through' room, but with lovely parquet flooring. I will share a picture. It feels like this room will always be a 'walk through' room, but I think my 2 v. young children will use it while I am in the kitchen. Based on the drawing, the wall has moved out so there will be a divider where the parquet floor ends, and the hallway flooring. Do you think this works?

After seeing the plans, I have asked for storage to be drawn in, as my children (and husband) just drops their things in the hallway! If I keep the porch, the storage might have to be built there, but then blocks light into the hallway??