skip to main content

how would you improve this layout?

Courtney Blackburn

3 years ago

there is an extension to the back of this house and it makes the dining room so dark we always have the light on. I also hate the L have hallway. Feel like no thought went into the design. what can I do to improve this

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

chloeloves
3 years ago
Hi I agree the layout is a bit odd. The simplest way to bring more light to the dining room would be to open up into the kitchen and have an open plan space for cooking/dining. The utility seems to be plonked down in an annoying position. If this could be moved you could get rid of the corridor to the other rooms and have the entrance to kitchen opposite the front door so you would have a nice sight line through to the garden when you came in. I guess it depends how much work you want to do and how much budget you have. You might be able to have entrance to lounge on immediate left of front door too? Would this help?
Wumi
3 years ago
I would say the simplest option (depending on the roof and aspect of your dining room) is to add a rooflight/lantern/sun tunnel).

If you want to go for a more drastic layout change maybe you could move the utility to the dining room and add in a shower room as you're bedroom heavy at the moment. Something like this?
Related Discussions
How would you improve this house?
Q
Comments (7)
I don't think the wood cladding would go with your windows, so I would just paint the black tudor effect white for now and when you're ready to change all the windows and front door I would then consider the cladding. I also like the idea of opening up the porch area at the front of your house. Take look at the Redrow Heritage Homes as I liken your house to some of them and you may get some ideas.
...See More
How would you improve the look of this 1930's house?
Q
Comments (6)
I would concentrate on the dormer windows, initially. I don't think the roofs of either are attractive, they both look mean and 'tight'. The brown cladding at the sides is wrong - it should be lead, painted timber to match the window frames or slate to match the roof. (Please don't use UPVC cladding!) Getting the detail right can be very effective. This is a new dormer bungalow I designed in a 1930s style, albeit in different materials. The dormer windows have flat lead roofs with big overhangs and moulded timber fascia. The flat roof dormer is probably more authentic to the house, but any style and detail has been lost when it has been re-roofed. A similar porch might work also well on your house. Although, if you go for flat-roofed dormers, you could do a great flat canopy porch with a hint of art deco style. The window arrangement in the central gable is very odd, too. But this may actually be improved by adding a porch. (Porches can often spoil a house, but the reverse might apply here) The garden is also very bleak. Some planting near the house, and even some climbers would make all the difference. The staining on the brickwork is strange, but I can't see enough detail. I would only repoint if the mortar is actually failing, as it can make a mess - get a professional to look at it, and make sure it is done well, with a lime-sand-cement mix. It won't make much difference to the appearance of the house. Simply cleaning off the worst of the staining might help - maybe with wire brushes - go carefully at first to make sure you're not damaging the bricks. The windows are not great, but could be a lot worse. If they are functionally okay, it may be good to keep them, and see how they look when some other details are changed. Depends on your budget.
...See More
How would you improve the look of this house and ugly chimney?
Q
Comments (18)
I think the chimney is the best feature of the house! The aim of any improvements should be to enhance the retro 60s design. Suggest, if possible, the ugly box dormer windows in the loft be removed from the front and put out of site to the rear. The brickwork to the front of the house, in the area where the garage has been bricked up would be best covered in a white render which could extend to chimney and porch extension. The satellite dish definitely has to go! I would leave the original brick work to the first floor and to the right side of the chimney. Evergreen planting would help soften the building under the window to the left of the entrance. The surface of driveway needs some serious thought and should probably be removed. White stone cobbling could be considered as edging to a path comprised of black tarmac interspersed with granite stones - very sixites. Maybe plant a low maintenance hedge to hide the close boarded fence. Or hide with a evergreen climbers. A row of small ornamental trees could edge the lawn and accentuate the line from the chimney leading up to the front of the property. I would cut back the existing messy shrubs, maybe replace with lawn and include tidier frontage planting - a rose bed would be in keeping.
...See More
How can we improve our layout?
Q
Comments (6)
Hi. Romove as mutch " clutter" from under the stairs as practical, leaving it open with perhaps new windows for more light. I' d move the sitting room door nearer to the front door, just so there is more scope for dark and moody colours away from the window. You have to have a Robert bench in the kitchen corner ( now for dining, curled up cats and storage drawers under). The island should not impede 'flow' so think curves, Ying/ Yang (hob and sink at oposide ends). Full wall of storage against sitting room wall. Your eye will be drawn out so the right hand garden wall needs vertical planting. Upstairs, put a generous shower to the right of the door, maybe your bath could be replaced with a hot-tub outside ?
...See More

Sponsored

More Discussions

Which layout do you think would look best for our renovation project?

8

Help…dilema I need some ideas

20

Paint, wallpaper feature or painting?

11

Existing canopy in garden - how to enclose?

1

Designing 2 walls with different sizes

0

United Kingdom

Tailor my experience with cookies

Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. By clicking ‘Accept’ I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking ‘Manage Preferences’.