kitchen extension issues

6 years ago

I’m after some much needed advice on a first time extension.
We recently bought a house that needs a complete renovation. We are starting with the kitchen and are planning to knock the existing kitchen and diner together as well as extending out to the rear of the property. Our aim is to have a large, open family friendly space where we can entertain, relax and watch the kids playing in the garden. We would also like to incorporate a wc and a utility.
We are thinking that under the proposed lantern will be a relaxed seating area and to the right of the kitchen a dining area. The fireplace has to stay because we can’t afford the cost of removing it.
The proposed utility and wc and kitchen are drawn where these are currently situated but the utility is currently a walk in larder and an exit into a derelict lean to.
The photos below are our initial drawings but I am concerned that the kitchen seems to be the smallest area of the extension. Ideally we’d move the utility wall back 1/2 metre or so but I believe we need a steel support where the proposed wall is as this will support the first floor.
The architect was also keen to keep all utilities on the left wall as this is adjacent to a side access.
The utility will need to house a boiler, washing machine, tumble dryer and have enough storage for a vacuum, mop and ironing board-a basin isn’t needed as there is one in the wc.
Does anyone have any ideas for adapting the current layout in order to make the kitchen seem larger? Is there anyway of extending the kitchen further by using some of the proposed utility space but at the same time getting over the support issue?
I’d really appreciate any advice-I’m out of ideas!
Thank you in advance

Featured Answer

Emmanuelle

6 years ago

Very exiting project! Could you swap the utility with the kitchen? It seems a shame to have a dark kitchen in the middle of the house whilst the utility is getting a window. Plus you would enjoy having views on your garden when cooking! However, the utility would be more narrow, so you would have to think about optimising its layout: ie: dryer on washing machine..etc... you could put some units in utility only on one wall . If you enter it on the side, could have utilise on one side and toilet on the other!

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Comments (11)

Jonathan
6 years ago
One option
Del27 York thanked Jonathan
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Del27 York
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks for the comments. We had considered the utility on one side and the toilet on the other but it means either one right behind the lounge wall and we decided against it.
Swapping the utility for the kitchen is a possibility and then perhaps swapping the seating area for the dining to keep all the ‘eating’ zones together?
Although there is a side access, there is currently no door, only a gate leading into the garden. It is a shared side access and we decided against a door to the side of the house.
Thanks for the alternative option. The kitchen would definitely be impressive in this one! Unfortunately we are unable to remove the chimney breast in the current dining room which restricts its use for a kitchen somewhat. My only other concern about a kitchen on this side is that our house is terraced (side access goes under neighbours house on the left) and so no options here for extraction (I’d rather not have a recirculating hood).
I am wondering if there is anyway of repositioning the supporting post to allow for an extra cupboard and worktop space?
Del27 York
Original Author
6 years ago
I’ve had a go at rearranging the space but still have an issue with the supporting post on the left.
There’s also the issue of the island blocking the view from door to door (as was the case in the original design).
PRO
Andreea De Mirabela Design
6 years ago
I hope you find some inspiration here. This house is also an extension and we can't wait to see it finished and finally call it HOME. My customers are delighted with the results and so am I.

Please give us a bell if you wish to benefit from our services.

We have a great Christmas offer at the moment, Free first 1 hour Interior Design Consultancy.

Much love from Andreea De Mirabela Design.
Del27 York
Original Author
6 years ago
Wow-it look amazing!! It’s how I envisage ours to look (although I’m considering Alison as opposed to bi-folds to keep costs down). I think we are looking to swap the utility and wc with the kitchen but I am still concerned about the supporting post and how that will interrupt the lines of the worktop and cupboards above. Did you have any issues with this and if so how to did you overcome them?
Have you gone into the loft too? That is also in our plans for renovating. We’re expecting lots of upheaval next year and with both projects taking place at the same time (and with two young boys!) we are looking to move out for a few months while the main works are being carried out.
All help and advice very much welcome with either project as this is our first renovation and while very exciting it’s also very daunting!
PRO
Andreea De Mirabela Design
6 years ago

Thank you, I'm very happy that you like it!

Indeed, a house design project can be daunting!

We also have a supporting post that my customers disliked the look of when we first started the project. We simply worked around it and installed the kitchen island around and paint in a grey hue that matched the kitchen.

We also went all the way up to the loft, as you can see in the picture, there is a bedroom and a small wet room for a girl age 8.

I have built a bespoke chandelier made of LEDs 4 meters long from the loft all the way down.

I hope this helps.

Please don't hesitate to contact us, we would be delighted to design your house and make it home.

Warm wishes,

Andreea De Mirabela Design

Tel 07814100108
Del27 York
Original Author
6 years ago
Lovely thank you! The pictures really help. Will talk to the husband about a consultation ;-)
PRO
Andreea De Mirabela Design
6 years ago
That's great, I am happy I helped.

Please don't hesitate to contact me at any time.

Much love from Andreea De Mirabela Design
Del27 York
Original Author
6 years ago
So after a design appointment with the kitchen company, I’m feeling deflated. The kitchen is just too small. We ended up designing a peninsular by the utility which extended the island but there was still very little storage space. We then ended up adding tall units (including the fridge freezer) on the back wall of the dining room which, although solved the storage issue, was not ideal or what we had envisaged. It also pushed the cost to nearly £15000. The space just doesn’t work. There was an issue with the position of the kitchen door and how this opened too close to the island and despite the island units, by the time you’ve added all appliances there’s very little storage space with the current design. Our architect is back tomorrow to see if there is anything we can do but does anyone else have any ideas? This renovation is looking to cost a fortune and I’m desperate to get it right.
whizzywig
6 years ago
So, similar to Jonathan’s suggestion above: extend the hallway slightly so that you can fit in a wc behind the stairs cupboard; forget a separate utility room but you might be able to get the washing machine and some storage under the stairs, leaving a larger space for the kitchen, which seems to be your priority..