How to expand a small kitchen renovation ideas

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

I am thinking of purchasing this property and would like to know what options I have for making the kitchen more suitable for modern living. The property is a victorian semi-detached farmhouse built ca. 1867.

The kitchen is small and u-shaped. The current owners have the fridge in the lean-to by the door to the kitchen, and the washing machine is situated in the former outside toilet space.

Our priority would be to have space in the kitchen for the fridge and a couple more countertops, without it feeling as cluttered as it is now. I do like the aesthetics/space of a L-shaped kitchens vs U shape for example. I enjoy cooking and baking from scratch so versatile workspace is a must.

We would ideally like to do this with a smaller budget (though we are open to more expensive overhauls) and in a way that is as sympathetic to the property as possible. The sink and window in the outhouse toilet for example is original, and we would ideally like to keep it, but is not a deal-breaker if the best way would be to expand into the outhouse.

We would like to keep/have a downstairs toilet, and a space for the washing machine (either in the kitchen or in a utility room).

We are considering expanding the kitchen into the lean-to or the dining room, (or both) or making the whole space north of the stairs open plan. There is a possibility to extend into the garden, but would rather not do this. I would like to know what you suggest are the best options for the space, and the most cost effective in terms of adding value for when/if we do need to sell in the future.

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Comments (3)

Jonathan
3 years ago
Extending your house has a cost implication. The most cost effective way to add useable square footage is to reconfigure what you have. You likely can’t incorporate the lean to into the main house as it’s not high enough quality but you could move doors to give you more useable space
Faith thanked Jonathan
Amanda Shiach
3 years ago
Hi Faith

Exciting project!

We’ve renovated four Victorian houses and been delighted with the result.

Based on your plan I would probably extend onto the lean to footprint. You could leave the loo where it is and have a utility area / boot room / muddy access just before it.

I might remove the jutting out part that I think is the old outside loo.

Lots of glass in the roof and build generally should bring enough light back through to the room marked dining.

You would then have space for an L shaped kitchen coming from the right as you walk through the door from dining to kitchen.

The LHS of the room could be new dining and incorporate some China and glass storage that side too.

Have fun- will be beautiful.
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The position of the loo and basin is actually something I'm a little confused about. The tap will be in projecting from the wall, underneath the window. The wall hung loo is still a mystery. The plumber will give me some options later today after the demolition. If we can, I will putt a very slim frame+cistern in the partition wall. If we can't I will opt for the same model but closed coupled. It has a very small footprint anyway: https://victoriaplum.com/product/arc-close-coupled-toilet-inc-quick-release-soft-close-seat-vptl11 Thanks for the advice about the shower. Really appreciated! I didn't think about it and will ask to my plumber. The bottom shelf is actually one of the reasons why I've chosen it... I'm trying to opening up the space by creating "empty" boxes. I can see some nice, fluffy towels going in there. The mirror. I really like something like these: https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/clarendon-house-contemporary-bathroom-london-phvw-vp~7718921 https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/neo-bankside-contemporary-bathroom-london-phvw-vp~1224128 but I think I'm going for a very normal mirror cabinet Yes, the towel rail is the one opposite to the basin. I'm considering underfloor heating too. Still undecided on the tiling... I keep going back and forth between full wall-to-wall tailing or only the floor + shower box. What would you do?
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Hi Vanessa thinking we have similar kitchen issues see my posts in advice section I recently just painted out my dated boarder tiles took 2 coats but I love them now. Also not going down painted cabinet route and just ordered new base units in a grey green tone and just picking up elements in top units to tie in im opting for slowly slowly approach and layering/changing things one step at a time so be good to compare our progress with both projects. your kitchen has so much scope and like mine nice quality I will be posting when next stage complete hoping to get thst charming two tone country look fingers crossed. Good luck
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I think the kitchen is still quite usable. I would remove the tiles in favour of a plain painted wall, and save on money for the floor. I personally feel it can be a mistake to place white units with a white tiled floor. I think the floor is what's dating the kitchen, not the other way around. Screed over the floor and lay down some inexpensive Wooden style plank lino to match your work top. I know a lot of people paint kitchen cupboards and i've had to 'save' a fair few. In my experience, unless you are really good at painting, have the time to remove all cupboards and drawer fronts to roller the cupboard fronts four or five times, it's not going to look good. I'll probably get shouted out from all corners, but unless it's going to get done properly it will probably not look great!. I personally think kitchen doors should be spray painted ( outside in warm weather ) for the best finish. Grey floor and walls would also suit your kitchen and bring it straight back up to date
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Before you do anything else have a chat with your local planners. ( A word with the duty officer will usually do ) if you are in a terrace then you need to check where next door's window to the dining room is located. Most likely exactly as your window. Then check with the planners how they are applying the 45 degree rule which is a line striking out from the midpoint, or third point , from the window to a habitable room. If your extension goes passed this line, and potentially blocks the view of your neighbour then you have a problem. Often you are ok on the ground floor ( depending how the local planners follow the guidance - hence the need to check first) . Many acknowledge that we need more living space but they will be then be difficult on any first floor extension. For peace of mind check first . This happened in one we are monitoring in Brighton for instance. Then you can enjoy working on that extra space - Good luck.
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Laura
3 years ago
Is it possible to move the kitchen into the dining room and use existing kitchen as a dining room? That little nook is crying out for a round sociable table

How to expand a small kitchen renovation ideas

Comments (3)

Jonathan

Amanda Shiach

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Laura

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