skip to main content

Design Dilemma Renovating

Downstairs Layout

Claire Nicholson

19 November, 2019

We have just had an offer accepted on a house, which will be a complete renovation project.

Keen to get ideas on how to completely redesign the downstairs layout- nothing is off limits except for extending, as we feel there is enough square footage, it just needs completely reconfiguring. Budget is pretty flexible and not a particularly limiting factor.

Considerations are that we have 2 muddy dogs, who need access into a boot room or utility without going through the main house, when they come back from walks.

We also have lots of coats and muddy boots and outdoor stuff and will have a baby by then, so need storage for pushchair etc.

We would also like space for a dining table that seats at least 10 and isn’t in a separate dining room.

We also need a decent sized downstairs office as hubby works from home.

There is also a pretty garden right across the rear of the house, so keen to maximise access and views to that.

Would love to get some ideas, in addition to the things we’re already considering.

Many thanks,

Claire

Comments (20)

Marina Drobot
Hi Claire, congratulations on your new home. You must be so excited and eager to renovate! What a great space. how about this idea?

https://hspano.homestyler.com?m=p&id=n1TZBTjLTzkHcMWY8HtsRu
21 November, 2019last modified: 22 November, 2019
Claire Nicholson
Sorry for the delay in replying, I’ve been travelling with work.

Oooh! That’s definitely an option I hadn’t thought of. I think my initial thoughts are that it’s probably giving over a bit too much of the downstairs footprint to ‘utilities’. The current kitchen, which would become the mudroom is almost 8 meters long, so to then take another separate room for laundry and yet another for a pantry seems a bit much. I’m inclined to maybe segment the mudroom so it’s got a laundry section as well, otherwise I have no idea how we would fill 8m of space!
22 November, 2019
Related Discussions
Downstairs layout help - incl. kitchen
Q
Comments (18)
Option 1 : Doesn't offer a lot of storage, sink to close to end panel of the appliance housing to make it practicle, the option of dining at the breakfast bar looks compromised by the hob, also doesn't appear to be much practical worktop to use for preparation, toaster kettle etc. In my opinion not a good design, creates more problems than it solves Option 2 : Is the better design but I think lose the wall have a straight run with tall units on the garden end and none at the other taking away the bulky end panels. Turn the island 90 degrees and make it longer and deeper.
...See More
Inspiration needed for a new downstairs layout...
Q
Comments (3)
Hi Courtney, A plan of the space would be really helpful. It is often the case of wasted space and poor layouts in this type of house so well worth pursuing your options. I would begin by considering how you use the space and come up with a list of desires for the space. With such a large project to undertake I would consider enlisting the help of a designer who can give you several options on layout and also help with lighting, trade discounts and colour schemes that can make the best of your space.. maximising proportions etc. I am local to you and offer free consultations if you wanted to get in touch. I'll happily talk through so options with you or just give you some starter points. All the best, Gina
...See More
redesigning downstairs layout, who to choose?
Q
Comments (3)
Hello, I agree with Jen that the cheapest and most effective way would be a concept planner (or interior designer who offers concept planning services). When you’re looking at concept planners or interior designers I would begin by looking at a selection of people. It’s important that you find someone who you get on with (that are on the same page as you from the start). It’s also important to get a few quotes and make sure you get lists of what you get for your money or examples of their work - as every pro does things differently. There are a ton of pro's on here so it's great place to start your search. With my process we start with an in depth questionnaire to look at your requirements and needs for the space in more detail. Having all this information means we can then tailor layouts specifically to you and how you’re going to use the space. My layout package offers 3-4 different layout options with pros and cons which clients find helpful.. This gives you lots of choice and help you to think about the space and to analyse it more clearly. I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck with your project. Exciting times :) All the best, Gina
...See More
Downstairs layout advice
Q
Comments (15)
Thank Gabby, It's a single story extension, the garden room bit, not the dining room. And we face south so it has just over 3m glazing facing east, same for south, same for west. It's so bright in the day time it's like we're standing outside and then if I keep the curtains closed on the east wall for a few days it feels cosier and more room like, hence imaging it being better as a wall for shelves, artwork, funky little cabinet between sofa and chair etc etc. The kitchen being at the back would definitely feel more connected to other spaces, that's something I've never had, so I don't know if I'd like it, I've always been carrying food from front of house to back or to the playroom. But the kids are too old for the garden now and have played in the woodlands around us for years now or on bikes in the cul de sac etc. I'm so used to kids, mine and random, running to the kitchen window for snacks and drinks or to get me if someone's hurt, and just opening the window to yell them for 'dinner time'. I think I'd miss that - although I know most people think a kitchen at the front of a house is more than a little odd! Oh my word I don't like this decision process, can I move on to buying pretty objects and fabric instead!
...See More
Marina Drobot
Hi Claire, it looks like a lot of space for the utilities. however, in a big house, where you are planning to have a very active outdoor and social life, it is good to have a separate space for the house work and storage especially when the kitchen is an open plan. do you have a garden seed a workshop/garage in the garden? if not, it is good to have the pace where you out your garden staff, tools, planting table. you can install large glass at the back if the "mud room" and have it as the winter garden room
Sun room · More Info

, to grow your herbs and veggies and prepare for spring gardening.
Country Retreat · More Info

England Revisited · More Info

Morningside bungalow · More Info

you can use it for your winter clothes drying space for things you cant dry in the dryer. you also can have the dogs bath space in the mud room, so you don't have wet dogs splashing fur all over your bathroom.
Farmhouse Laundry Room · More Info

also you can keep your prams, bicycles, skates, football / rugby gear, camping equipment, in the part closer to the garden, you can put a gym/ yoga room.
Beverly Hills Private Residence · More Info

Cholla Residence · More Info

Greenwich, CT · More Info

also it is a good idea to have a downstairs toilet and it is good, where it is now on the original plan. you also can use that back room for your washing/dryer machine
River Oaks Contemporary Complete Transformation · More Info

. the "pantry" room can be used for your iron and iron board after the laundry is done ir fir the family quickly ti access it, keep your sawing machine, art / craft supplies, clothes / curtains streamer equipment, kitchen pantry, freezer, you baking equipment, mixers and big pots. It is a art f the kitchen, which doesn’t need to be shown daily. It is easily accessible from the front entrance, into the kitchen, laundry room, mud room and back yard.
Pantry · More Info

Pantry & Mudrooms · More Info

so your front kitchen has a lighter entertaining duty.

in the new position for the kitchen, you can utilise the fireplace to install freestanding cooking range with an extractor fan fitted into the chimney.
Bright Open Plan Family Kitchen in London · More Info

Also if you still think it is too much space for the back rooms, you move the "laundry "and the “bathroom” to the " pantry " and make the "laundry" and "bathroom " space into sun room / reading nook / coffee tea spot/ play room for your baby overlooking the garden.

all the utility Rooms and be designed that would be a nice part of the house and the whole family can enjoy and use.
23 November, 2019last modified: 23 November, 2019
Marina Drobot
you can make the kitchen bigger and have it semi separate from the living/dining space. then have the utility space, mudroom, laundry and the toilet where the original kitchen is now.
23 November, 2019last modified: 23 November, 2019
Marina Drobot
I have one more idea, but don’t have time to do it today. I will try to post it tomorrow
23 November, 2019
Claire Nicholson
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><md>Thank you so much Marina for all your time and effort to come up with ideas- it’s incredibly kind and helpful of you.

The first pics you posted look amazing but we are 100% not garden people so anything to do with herbs, gardening, seeds etc is a big no go for us
23 November, 2019
Claire Nicholson
So frustrating that has cut off most of my reply!
23 November, 2019
Claire Nicholson
Thank you so much Marina for all your time and effort to come up with ideas- it’s incredibly kind and helpful of you.

The first pics you posted look amazing but we are 100% not garden people so anything to do with herbs, gardening, seeds etc is a big no go for us.

We’ve also got lots of outdoor storage for bikes etc, so are fortunate that none of that needs to be in the house either.

Slightly embarrassed to say, I am also not a baker in the slightest, so no real need for much kitchen stuff and certainly no bakeware, extra kitchen appliances etc. I also do no sewing or craft etc and don’t even own a sewing machine and the cleaner brings all the cleaning stuff and takes away our ironing.

Do you think there’s a structural reason that with enough steels we couldn’t just take out the chimney, as the last plan looks really good, just a bit unsure about the kitchen being separate.
23 November, 2019
Claire Nicholson
I’ve been playing about a bit and come up with this
24 November, 2019
Marina Drobot
Yes, i think it's a great plan. only one thing: the WC door is better from the hallway. well done!
24 November, 2019
Jonathan
Of course anything is possible at a price- but you seem to be planning to remove all the structural walls at the back and I suspect you might have to leave some and so I offer an alternative
24 November, 2019
Claire Nicholson
Thanks Jonathan - I know removing structural walls is potentially going to be quite a challenge! We’re having a full structural survey done in the next few weeks, so they will give us some advice on what is and isn’t possible.

In our current house we did a lot of steelwork to remove structural walls, so we’re very open to doing it again.

I am mindful of the fact there are going to be some limitations though!

I think the only challenge with the design above is that hubby would be pretty miffed with such a small office stuck in a corner at the back of the house, as he works from home full time.

We’ll also have an au pair living with us, so would quite like to have a few different living areas, so there’s space for everyone to be separate if that’s what we want.

Is so tricky trying to decide!!!!

Thank you for taking the time to do the above- it’s really helpful getting different ideas!
24 November, 2019
Marina Drobot

One more idea.
24 November, 2019last modified: 24 November, 2019
rinq
Will this (most likely) be your forever home?

If so, keep your options open for a good sized shower room and a bedroom.

Is the staircase really gorgeous? And what does the second floor look like? Because relocating the stairs could help in opening up the entry towards living space.
24 November, 2019
Jonathan
I didn’t realise we also needed room for the au pair. Why not make the laundry/utility smaller and create an au pair suite so they have there own private space
24 November, 2019
Claire Nicholson
@rinq we’re only in our mid 30’s so very much doubt it will be our forever home.

The staircase is beautiful- it’s wide and split level and then turns back on itself and is galleried, so moving it wouldn’t really be something we wanted to do, otherwise I think it would be a fab suggestion.

@ Jonathan - sorry, my comment was a bit misleading!!! We’re lucky that we have quite a lot of space upstairs too, so the au pair will have a large bedroom and en-suite bathroom, so no need to make a suite for them downstairs, just keen to have enough separate living areas so they don’t have to hide out in there room or feel like they’re always on top of us downstairs.

We’ll also have a small baby, so need to consider that we’ll need a living space that works for young children.

There are always so many things to consider!

Thanks both for your help and suggestions, it makes a huge difference getting ideas and input from others. Sometimes you stare at these plans for so long, you go a bit blind / crazy!!!
24 November, 2019
rinq
Here's some of my input:

With an overlay of the old walls:
25 November, 2019
Claire Nicholson
@Rinq thank you!

I really like what you’ve done.

What’s hard to know is what will and won’t be possible structurally (although my builder reliably informs us, anything is possible at a price??!!)

The pic below shows what is currently a single storey, flat roof extension. So if you remove the shaded blue bit, you can see what the original footprint was.

That’s why there are ‘nibs’ between the two rooms you’ve marked as play and tv- it’s where they’ve removed part of the original back wall for the extension (done many years ago.

In the original room marked as family room, you can also see slight nibs that show too, where that back wall was taken out.

It makes me think it might be easier to take out the wall between the family room and dressing area, rather than the family room and store room?
26 November, 2019
Claire Nicholson
Here’s a pic of the family room as it currently is, so you can see the beam / nibs I’m talking about.
26 November, 2019
rinq
I already guessed a pillar of some sort had to stay. And I like the kitchen being close to the hallway and back entry.

Yes, it might be 'easier', but if you're renovating now, better do it right and create the layout that works best. Within reasonable measures. Better wait for the structural report, I guess.
27 November, 2019

Sign Up to Comment

More Discussions

Does this table link?

11

Something a little different

3

Lighting options for a large open plan space

6

Sulking Room Pink looks awful in small cloakroom - help needed!

11

Kitchen splashback help!

9

United Kingdom

Tailor my experience using cookies

By continuing to browse this site or use this app, I agree the Houzz group may use cookies and similar technologies to improve its products and services, serve me relevant content and to personalise my experience. Learn more.