Help please with ground floor layout
Hello,
We need help with the ground floor layout of our bungalow, specifically the kitchen and family bathroom. As part of the loft conversion works, the architect has included in the drawing the removal of the kitchen walls to open up the space to a multi-function living/dining/kitchen area which will also let in more light the current dining area and to embrace the view of the garden.
The kitchen was renovated by the previous owners approximately 5 years ago. For the moment, to save money we are only going to remove half the wall to create a half wall between the current living area and kitchen. Keeping the floor cupboards and losing the wall cupboards. The architect at the time suggested converting the family bathroom to a utility but we are now against this idea.
Also we have an American fridge / freezer in the garage which we'll move into the kitchen when the kitchen work is carried out and have it plumbed up so we can use the water/ice dispenser. This means we will 'mess' up the look of the kitchen as it means removing the integrated fridge freezer and another cupboard to house this.
We will live with this half wall and 'messy' kitchen temporarily until we save up enough to do it properly.
We are struggling with the ground floor plan...
- Kitchen layout. Ideally it would be nice to keep the dishwasher / oven / hob / sink layout as is to save cost
- Family bathroom
- Keep the layout as is and not moving the water tank up to loft
- Move the tank to upstairs to free up space for storage per the original plan
- Or use the extra space gained and bring the bathroom wall forward to house the toilet and sink on the same wall as the bath so that when you walk in from the front, you have a clear sight line into the garden with a tall window opening behind the staircase instead of just be greeted by a staircase and a wall in the background.
- Last option is extension, the most costly. Extend the back wall of kitchen and living space out (by 3/3.5m?) and use this as a utility / pantry. The other end from the living area can be flexible, thinking reading or desk area for kids homework or when I work from home.
I've played around with the layouts, would welcome your thoughts / ideas.
Thank you!
Comments (23)
Jonathan
2 years agoShort term I wouldn’t destroy your kitchen for a fridge. However you could add an extra area outside the kitchen for additional cabinets and the fridge
Katrina Prescott thanked JonathanRelated Discussions
Please help with ground floor re-design and layout ideas
Comments (12)I do like the OnePlan en-suite option but it would be very, very small for an en-suite and I'd have to dig up the floor to add another toilet, all of which can be avoided if I just leave the downstairs bathroom as it is....I have guests who stay regularly and no one has complained yet. I think this would be an unnecessary expense, love to do it but must be mindful of my budget. I definitely agree that it would be less annoying and more private for my guests to access the bathroom and their bedroom off of the hallway and not the living/dining room, so I shall try and come up with something else for coat storage. kikiamack Unfortunately there is not enough space even when making the double doors into a single to squeeze coat storage into the corner :(...See MoreGround floor extension layout - Help please!
Comments (10)You need to put all the dimensions on for a real feel for the place. You would also need to instruct and architect and a structural engineer. A concept planner could really help to give you an idea of what's possible and open your eyes as to what changes could be made. I doubt you need to seat 22 on a daily basis, but you may be able to get two dining tables in on occasion. ( We keep another table and a set of chairs outside in a store room for such times ). We have one table that seats 8 all the time, then the other that we bring in which seats 6 more. It's a squeeze, but we manage. Thus I had a little shuffle about and came up with this as a 'concept idea'. Clearly specialists in their field will be able to help a lot more:-...See MoreHelp with ground floor layout please
Comments (7)Good Morning, Plenty of potential there! I agree that the space could be utilised better. Jonathan shows one great idea. I really recommend considering the natural light, wind, noise conditions, as well as creating a brief on exactly how you would like to live in the space first of all. It may be preferable to have an open plan concept allowing the family to spend time together or a more cellular layout keeping warmth in and allowing for privacy and separation. Where possible it is useful to provide spaces to include your own character such as art, books or hobbies. Also research into the property and area can also provide guidance on what fits in terms of architecture. If you would like us to create a floor plan for you we can offer this service remotely. The first step is to get in touch for a cost - either private message or phone call is great. Thank you for sharing, this is an exciting project. Kind regards, Sophie Ellen Ellen Utley Interiors...See MoreChange of ground floor Layout, help
Comments (8)Hi Nana, once you have decided on a layout, we can provide you with a budget cost estimate. The budget cost estimate provides a detailed breakdown of works and expenses as well as highlighting potential areas where you can save money. If this is something of interest please send the plans and photos to hello@nestestimating.co.uk and we can provide you with a quote...See MoreJonathan
2 years agoIf you did later extend I think it would be better to extend on this side. You could have a huge kitchen as I have shown or you could turn the original kitchen into a utility
Katrina Prescott thanked JonathanKatrina Prescott
2 years agoKatrina Prescott
2 years agoJonathan, agree. However, the scale of the pond is big (it was a swimming pool which has been converted into a pond) so to touch this would be expensive.
Good to know that water pipes can go under the floor. This results in us destroying one side of the kitchen only instead of the entire kitchen! I should have mentioned removing the left wall to open up the space means the kitchen worktop will very likely need to be replaced. There is a tall wall kitchen cabinet in the lower left corner fixed to the worktop. I don't know what is under this tall cabinet so likely once this is removed there will be a huge chunk missing from the work surface.
If we don't extend, do you think the below plan could work?
I'm not sure the kitchen will be big enough to house a dishwasher, sink, washing machine and hob? The fridge freezer could go on the bottom wall as you mentioned.
Is there too much wasted space between the kitchen area and fridge area or is it okay?
Katrina Prescott
2 years agorinked, thank you. Your plan is nice but looks expensive! We'd also have to convert the family bathroom to an en-suite and use the new bedroom on your plan as the master bedroom. Also, the dining area drawn on your plan leads directly to a bathroom, not sure how I feel about this!
The below floor plan is our current layout before the loft conversion so it doesn't include the stairway which is why I didn't post it originally.
The front bedroom is used as the master bedroom with an en-suite. We'd prefer to keep the master bedroom as is at our place of escape away from the kids. We have been spoilt by the size.
What did you think of the plan I drew out with the blue cupboards, could this work? Or no?
Katrina Prescott
2 years agorinked, I was referring to your plan where you have turned the separate sitting room into a bedroom and combined the master bedroom with en-suite into one large open space kitchen-dining living. This means we lose the en-suite master bedroom and the only way I could think to work around this is to convert the family bathroom to an en-suite.
The bottom shower room is our current en-suite which may not be appealing if you have to access it from the kitchen-dining area?
Katrina Prescott
2 years agoKatrina Prescott
2 years ago
PRONest Estimating Ltd
2 years ago
PROOnePlan
2 years agoI’ve had a play with this - please feel free to use any elements you like ! But obviously where I’ve removed /moved walls a SE will need to be involved ! This is just a rough idea …
I’ve expanded on your great idea for sight line and created a study nook with window over desk area to give that view out, as you enter the home.. I’ve reduced the bathroom to a shower room with laundry appliance cupboard too … also stolen some space from master bedroom for hall storage - moving the entrance door to that bedroom, and the wall, in the process … I’ve kept the lounge with fire place and added book shelving to reduce noises from lounge to bedroom.
I’ve worked with your current kitchen space to put in a USA ff ( but can’t be in the corner as the doors wouldn’t open well - so moved the hob to accommodate it)
You mentioned moving a cupboard and existing int FF to get the USA in - if the cupboard is 600mm could you simply buy another int FF and have it next to the original instead ?
I added a window seat at the end of the kitchen … you mentioned taking down the top part of the internal wall to dining - so I’ve run with that too.It’s just tweaking what’s there really . But as I say - just some ideas to get you thinking - and to add to the other ideas on this thread.
Oh - and I opened up the area below the kitchen to a seating area and added sofas and tv too.Hope you like some bits !! Although I do appreciate its now significantly open plan - and although that suits some - not everyone likes it !
Katrina Prescott thanked OnePlanKatrina Prescott
2 years ago- PRO
OnePlan
2 years agoCheck out Amazon or similar for stand alone ice and water dispensers! I’ve just spotted these ( heading out for supper - so this is from my phone !)
Katrina Prescott thanked OnePlan Katrina Prescott
2 years agoWow, Amazon sells everything you could think off!
After some careful thinking of OnePlan's incredible idea and creative outlay, it may prove too challenging and open for us to make it work. I have done some minor adjustments to the plan...keeping the separate lounge which could change its purpose in the future and keeping the bathroom (regrettably losing the study nook/sightline to save on cost).
The water tank cupboard has been entirely removed to free up space in the family bathroom.
The submitted plan to the council for this water tank cupboard covers the removal of the chimney stack hidden behind the water tank and relocating the tank to the loft as we originally wanted to keep this space for storage. However, OnePlan's idea of a utility appliance cupboard / storage is one I'd like to keep.
My question here is, can this water tank cupboard be removed completely or will we need to make another appointment with a Structural Engineer/Architect to have these walls removed? The removal of the chimney stack in the cupboard didn't need any clearance from the SE, so does this mean I don't need to consult with him or would we need to?
rinked