Open plan kitchen/diner/snug layout help
We're wanting to open up our lounge and kitchen to make the space more workable for us but need help with the layout. We had started consulting with a local architect but had to cancel the surveyor's appointment as we were advised to self-isolate when our daughter was poorly and then lockdown happened and I'm wanting something to focus on until we can start getting proper plans drawn up and progress with the build.
It's a 1930s semi which had already been extended some time ago (red dotted line across kitchen and lounge). I'm hoping we can work with the space we've got by also opening out into the current utility area but my partner thinks we may also need to extend a little further maybe an extra 1-1.5m.
The current utility area is effectively a lean-to with our downstairs loo at the back which also houses our boiler. We'd ideally like a shower room downstairs as our bathroom upstairs is quite compact and have it located nearer to the middle of the house.
We'd like bifolds or sliding doors to open onto the patio area although our garden is north-east facing so we only really get the sun on the patio before midday so maybe sliding doors might be more practical/cost-effective. Also thinking of adding either 2 skylights or roof lantern(s) in the extension roof (currently flat).
We'd make the current dining room at the front of the house our living room and the front of our current lounge would become our family snug area with the dining area in front of the sliding doors on the right-hand side.
Our property boundary to the left is angled so if we open into the current utility I'd expect we'd have to square it off or else it'll be an awkward space. The kitchen would ideally have an island unit with space for stools.
I've taken the walls out in the 2nd plan but I'm struggling with how best to locate the shower room and new utility for the kitchen space to work. We currently have a small closet in the hallway, not sure if it would be practical to open this out to form the shower room by using some of the garage/kitchen space.
Would welcome some ideas for how best to use this space for a young family.
Comments (8)
Shelly C
3 years ago
Rishika Arora
3 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! Sacrifice utility for open plan kitchen diner?
Comments (5)Thank you all for your advice! We can’t fit the washer dryer in the downstairs toilet as it’s quite small. I think I am coming round to the idea that because the utility is in a badly situated place I am going to have to get rid of it. I will get a washer dryer integrated into the kitchen and try to leave a tall cupboard free to put the laundry in. Hubby and me will sit down and do through what cupboards we will have and designate a purpose for each to see how we do for storage and space. I will probably put my old washing machine and dryer in the garage (arg) as a backup. I feel like it will mean more work for me to keep the kitchen tidy but such is life! I guess in all house design there has to be some compromise and it will be a really big nice space all open plan. We will keep the door on the side of the house which gives access into garden and garage. After ruminating for years over what to do I just want it done now!! See photo below for final layout....See Morehelp creating open plan kitchen/dining room/snug!
Comments (5)If the utility becomes a dumping ground currently - at least you can close the door to it . If you open everything up then all that dumped stuff will just be visible to all surely? Why not look at what’s dumped - is it laundry ? Is it waiting to be ironed ? Or waiting to be taken upstairs ? Or dirty washing to be sorted into colour/white/darks etc. If so - redesign the utility to have an ironing board area and shelving for folded washing, and sorting baskets for dirty laundry, hanging pole for ironed shirts on coat hangers etc. If the stuff dumped is outdoor coats boots dog walking stuff etc then it might be better to design a boot room space instead ? Do you see where I’m going with this? The space isn’t currently working - so yes - some redesign is required - but needs lots of looking at WHY it’s not working in order to fix it properly. I’d suggest you go though this in great detail. Look at what’s wrong and then start making it work better. ( this is the sort of project we often work with clients on ! You aren’t alone !)...See MoreDesign help needed for a open plan kitchen/diner
Comments (8)I can depend on the aspect of the room. Also, the tiles will have their own 'colour' so depending on what that is, the paint needs to work with it. If you go to an art shop like Hobbycraft and buy several large sheets of stiff card then paint the samples on very carefully at least two coats, this will be better than splodges on the wall....See More
bookworm987
3 years agobookworm987
3 years ago
Very rough sketch here- but it might be good to retain some of the wall between the kitchen and snug, to create a cosier feel ( and i imagine it would save money) . My solution has given you an irregular-shaped kitchen, but that's something that could be worked around with a good kitchen planner.
Shelly C
3 years agoThanks both for your suggestions, its helped me see the potential options. @Jonathan I agree with you about the structural complexities if we go for the side extension too so it may make more sense and be better on our budget if we extend further into the garden.
Have adjusted the floor plan incorporating your suggestions. I'd hope that we could access the garage from the new shower room as the stairs would be an obstruction in the hallway. Just need to figure how to make the utility a better space and I'd hope I might even be able to incorporate a little bit of office space in there too.
Given the simpler layout, in the interests of saving money would you advise to continue to use an architect? Not sure if planning permission would be required or whether would be within permitted development?
PROKay Moden
3 years agoJonathan
3 years ago
Jonathan