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Home Decorating Design Dilemma Kitchens

Would really appreciate some help with kitchen design

3 years ago

Hello,

I want to redecorate my kitchen. Currently it is cold, uncomfortable and barely functional. We only spend time in it to prepare meals. I would really like it to be a room where my s.o. and I can spend time together, somewhere we can entertain friends and somewhere I would spend time on my own (online, listening to music etc). COVID-19 has highlighted to me that I spend 95% of my time in my living room so would like another room in my house where I could spend more time.

The current 'breakfast bar' gets in the way as it blocks the flow when you walk into the kitchen. I would really like to include a more casual dining space / seat(s) but not sure if it is big enough?

There is also loads of current dead space which I think could be better utilised.

Attached are some photos along with plan received from Magnet.

All input welcome!

P.S. Excuse the mess! It is cleaning / washing day!

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Comments (4)

chloeloves
3 years ago
Hi. The magnet design looks almost identical to what you have now apart from the sink being moved is that correct? Can the nib of wall on the left with the radiator on it be removed completely as this along with the massive fridge and breakfast bar is what is making the kitchen feel very separate from dining area. I would lose the massive fridge and get something integrated and full height like the current tall cupboard you have to left of garden door. If you can remove the bib then you can either extend the units out along the stove side to provide more cupboard space or you could put a built in banquette there for people to perch on and chat to you whilst you are cooking? It depends what you really need, more storage, more work surface or more options for seating? Personally I’m not sure the sink would work well shoved under the window I know it’s the fantasy but really how much time do you spend washing up and staring dreamily at the back garden? It looks a bit cramped to me. Try and imagine yourself in the space using it and how practical it would be. Assess exactly how many units you need to store your stuff and don’t have more cupboards for the sake of it. If you have a banquette you can have lift up seats for storing little used items which can be very useful. Anyway hope that’s some food for thought :)
Wumi
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Very similar kitchen size and layout to me (without the dining space!). I wouldn't put the sink under the window, it'll likely make the space feel hemmed in and will pose the same issues you have with the breakfast bar.

Why not stick with the galley style and have one side with tall and wall cupboards and the other side with some open shelves? I'd also extend the run of the kitchen as you have some dead space along the wall leading to the dining space. A drinks cabinet could work well behind the door.

For the dining area you could add some colour on the walls, window dressings (roman blinds?) a mirror and some art work. A bench could help save space around the table. Maybe pop a bench seat in the window alcove and plants on the window sill and install some pendants over the kitchen table?
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Wumi
3 years ago
*dining table
Louise Burke
3 years ago
How about put the fridge freestanding or preferably built in on the opposite wall in the corner where the radiator is now and have a full height radiator on the wall where the fridge currently stands. Alternatively extend the run of units if space permits and have undercounter built ins along the cooker wall. Place a cosy chair with shelves in the corner to your left as you come through the door with maybe a freestanding cocktail cabinet on the opposite wall. I would keep the galley layout and if your budget runs to it remove the half wall and window next to the door and replace with French doors to allow a full view out to the garden. In the dining area replace the downlighters with a pendant light over the dining table to create a more relaxed feel and place a standard lamp or a plant in the left corner of the bay to add some height and interest there. Add a couple of narrow shelves on the small wall that faces the kitchen to create a feeling of width in that area. By the way, have the waste bin as a pullout in a small undercounter cupboard where your main food prep section will be. Best thing I did when I had my kitchen redone. It's so easy to wipe all the waste straight into it.

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