Help with layout and furniture placement in kitchen/diner/family room
Hi all, we are currently considering replacing our conservatory (too hot in summer and cold in winter) with a small extension to allow us to remove the sliding doors between it and the kitchen/diner. This would give us a large L shaped kitchen/diner/family room, however I am struggling to work out the best layout for furniture. We want to fit in a 6 seater dining table, a 3 seater sofa with space for kids to play in front of it and also (don't judge us!) a TV. I'm currently leaning towards an L shaped sofa in the current dining space, and moving the dining table into the new extension. But then would it be strange to walk through a lounge bit to get to dining?
We are also a bit stuck about whether to open up the space completely or to save some cash and just keep the current opening where the sliding doors currently are, meaning that no structural work or steels would be needed. The sliding door opening isn't the full width of the room though, more like 2.75m wide. I have coloured these in yellow on the picture below. Do you think that this would ruin the room?
We also need to decide on where to put external doors. The conservatory currently opens out to the right hand side next to the kitchen, but I think the view would be better being along the back wall (the bit labelled 3500). If money was no object then I would love corner bifolds but alas the budget will definitely not stretch that far!
Please ignore the poor quality of the sketch, but we are just at the beginning of this project and so don't have proper plans yet.
Thanks in advance!
Comments (8)
Hazel Kindley
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoRelated Discussions
Open 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 MoreHelp with layout - kitchen/diner/living room
Comments (13)Hi Chloe, What a lovely space and great shaped room to work with! Having been through something very similar in the last 6 months and very nearly made a few big mistakes (but thankfully didn't!) there's a few things I'd probably mention. I love having your seating area by the doors, we have done something similar and it's a lovely space to sit in and look out. Are you having a TV in there and have you thought about where it might go if you are? I totally agree with Jonathan, probably not enough worktop if you have both your sink and hob on the island. Our island is 2.4m in length (1.2m wide) and there's just enough space to cook and then plate up next to the hob for 8 plates so long as you're tidy! :) We've gone from Gas to induction hob and I do miss being able to take hot things out of the oven and put them directly onto the hob (it's not recommended, although lots of people say it's fine... I haven't quite been brave enough yet!!) Tall units are fab and our double larder cupboard we use to store all pots, pans and glassware- I still can't believe how much you can get in it! We also put it in a position whereby it's accessible from both where I cook and also the 'social' side of the island so friends / hubby can lay the table etc, without having to get right by me cooking. We've ended up with a separate space for the toaster and microwave out of the main work area of the kitchen and I love it as people can make toast and snacks without getting in my way if I'm cooking! Don't go for base unit cupboards if you can help it- drawers are so much better! We only ended up with one in our pantry and I am going to have internal drawers fitted as it's a right pain to see what's at the back! Have you considered banquette seating around one side of the dining table as an alternative? It's super flexible seating if you've got little ones and because one side is up against a wall it gives not only quite a cosy feeling but extra floor space for moving around it. My other bit of advice would be have a think about your lighting super early in the design and get all your electrics sorted- I'd never realised before this project what a huge difference lighting and layered lighting can make to a room that is multi- functional! Have you got someone helping you with the design of the room (layout and aesthetics) or are you going it alone? :) Hope it helps! Best wishes, Claire...See MoreKitchen / diner / family room layout advice
Comments (1)In my opinion the tv room is probably a little redundant if you have a big tv area in the family room. So I offer this alternative- this plan is around 4 m, is wider but by my calculations is the same square footage....See MoreDesigning our kitchen/diner/family room
Comments (6)Two similar layouts: 1. Keep the fireplace, centre kitchen, small sofa's or corner sofa on the left. 2. Place kitchen where fireplace was, dining table and sofa's where you'd like them. No tv in either option, as there are two lounge/tv rooms already. Big island. Keep walkways open (no sofa in front of the entry for example). Move the utility door to create more wallspace....See More
LTS
6 years agoHazel Kindley
6 years ago
PROStrazzia.com
5 years ago
graceh32
5 years agoHi Hazel, I work for a TV production company and we're currently looking for homeowners in London and the South of England with a design dilemma to feature on a new home makeover series for a major UK broadcaster. Our renowned TV property guru is looking to work with homeowners to help you transform your space.
If you're interested in finding out more about our exciting new series please get in touch on the details below:
Email apply@outlineproductions.co.uk or call 02031502742
Many thanks!
Grace
Hazel Kindley
5 years agograceh32
5 years ago
PWJ Architects Ltd