Kitchen functionality and resale value impact of this design...
Hi all.
I have a relatively small kitchen, that has just about enough space to house this design above, with a small utility space (through the door left of the corner larder unit). It will involve changing where the external door is currently, and this is really the only design I (and other kitchen fitters) can see working.
ANYWAY, in the units under and next to the window, we have space for an integrated/underbench fridge and dishwasher, and as you can see by the photo of the corner space, we've also implemented a corner larder unit. What you can't see above is there is a small cupboard behind the table which houses a single chest freezer. The utility houses washing machine, dryer, and a full size fridge freezer.
What I'm wondering is
A) is the corner larder unit excessive? For our purposes, it's perfect because we tend to buy in bulk so it's handy, but will it appear a little odd especially with not having a full size fridge freezer in the main kitchen space?
B) Should we instead have a fridge freezer where the corner unit is and turn the utility area into open shelving for storage?
We intend to stay here for at least 5 years, but potentially up to say 10 (or maybe forever!) so we want to make sure the property is saleable in any case.
Thanks for your views!
Comments (8)
Jade Bambrough
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Designing kitchen around this splashback - wwyd?
Comments (89)What an amazing forum this is. Do hope you have a clearer picture by now. I adore your splashback, it must not be relegated to a utility room. Buy more of the same for that! Perhaps you could frame an extra piece as art in another area. I've painted my kitchen cupboards in 'Hebridean Mist' which goes so well with the slate floor tiles, then a pink fridge freezer and pink edged worktop tiles tie in well. I like to add a little bit of matching colour from one room to another room, moving through the house like that. It givers synergy to all my rooms, none of which are the same colour, but all of which have a hint of another room. Anthology is a fabulous site to look at for lighting. Wayfair has a gorgeous orange glass globe light I want badly! I actually adore the combination of orange, shades of grey, white and black. A simple thing like 1 Cygnus Papilios cushion by Alex Goode can pass one colour into another room....See MoreKitchen diner - design changes
Comments (12)That's a tricky one! There are obviously 2 arguments for this.. Based on (I think!) current trends, I would add a utility and make the dining room a family space so with enough room for the table, seating and a tv. I may be tempted to extend out the back by 4m if it doesn't compromise the garden and is in budget as it makes that space more workable as a family room ( appreciate it is very long though!). Can you also convert a part of the garage out of interest? On the flip side, 15 years is a long time and the house will likely need a new kitchen then and therefore purchasers may be able to reconfigure the space to suit them although utilities would be trickier. I came across this article as I wasn't sure if estate agents took into account the square footage of any storage when valuing houses, as I know ours didn't feature in the floor plan and we're lucky to have quite a lot http://www.countrylife.co.uk/property/guides-advice/phil-spencer-on-valuations-34312 From a surveyors perspective though I believe storage will impact the valuation but whether it equates to the same in price per sqf I doubt it??! It's a shame you don't get any surveyors on houzz really! I think in any case it would be an idea to recruit the services of someone like One Plan or maybe an architect ( karen at One Plan gets excellent reviews though!) to get a space that properly functions and will either appeal to a wider market or can easily be reconfigured to do so. That's my completely non-pro ramblings!...See MoreNew kitchen remodeling - architect or designer? SW11 London
Comments (12)Hi Paula, Wow loads of great advice already ! I'd suggest you ask your builder if he can recommend a structural engineer, that he's worked with previously, to come and view the stack - it may be that by extending the thick nub on bottom left of that area marked, that you can then put one beam across to support above? ( but I'm not a SE - so you will need on site advice for this !!) I'm the concept planner that Minnie added the link for ( thank you Minnie !!) We sell purely design, no product. So charge for our services, rather than making a mark up on what you buy, like a showroom would. (We have a few types of service - the most expensive, for a project this size, is about the same cost as a good dishwasher) But that does mean you get a PDF with all the plans/elevations/colour perspectives, panoramics and item listing to shop around with, which means you can compare like for like and negotiate great deals with showrooms/studios/even online suppliers of kitchen furniture and appliances etc. We can even supply colour A3 prints, if you want, too ! So we are a bit different to a free studio service - but can work well for busy people who want an input into the design stage ( we have a service that involves you throughout the design process over a five day period) and those who want to approach a few different studios or online suppliers to quote, but that don't have the time to deal with several site visits from several designers and to sit through several presentations that are all different - so it becomes a bit confusing to see who's offering the best deal ! You simply email them your design PDF - or drop them in a printed copy, ask for their best price as you are shopping around. All they need to do initially is price it - so much easier for the studios too ! Anyway enough of the 'sales pitch' from me ! Best wishes for your project, which ever route you choose ! :-)...See MoreAdding Value to Property
Comments (22)I would reduce the area of the backyard and expand the terrace on which more furniture can be placed and actually more guests will fit on this terrace. But first I would make estimating construction costs and find out how much it would cost me to add a terrace instead of a large backyard. If all calculations turned out to be positive and I had enough money, then I would made such repairs. However, I do not know how much money you have for this, so I will count on the fact that you have enough of them and therefore I advise the option of expanding the house and reducing the backyard. I hope you will be able to make accurate measurements of the area and you will go over the budget. I wish you successful construction!...See More
K Fitz
5 years ago
minipie
5 years ago
Carolina
5 years ago
PROOnePlan
5 years ago- PRO
OnePlan
5 years ago estherkennerley
5 years ago
P & P Maintenance Services