Granny pad small extension

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

My mum is moving in with us and we are extending a downstairs bedroom to provide my mum with a kichenette and ensuite, thebuilder is about to start and looking at the architect’s plans - now wondering if there should be any tweaks. for example my mum wants an L shaped couch, and wondering if the door of the ensuite should be left of centre? She also wants a slimline dishwasher but think that can be done ok - any feedback or comments very much welcomed! thank you v. much

Featured Answer

Jonathan

2 years ago

Personally I think having this compact space as a proper reception with a sofa makes the bed area crowded, the storage limited and I worry that the shower room is too tight to manoeuvre.

Perhaps the thing to do is make the bed area, storage and Ensuite the most important things and then have a really comfy chair, somewhere for visitors to sit such as an ottoman or stool and then a TV in a convenient position.

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Comments (16)

Nick
2 years ago
My initial thought is that the bedroom and bathroom would be better together; likewise the kitchenette and living space. That is more than just a tweak, though.
ger_gg thanked Nick
ger_gg
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
thanks for your feedback. Yes, I see what you mean, and also considered this.

rather than switching around could we maybe keep the bedroom etc where it is, but where the line of kitchen units are drawn is currently a very nice existing large built in deep wardrobe which we could leave untouched, great for all mum’s storage wardrobe etc, that would save money and ripping it out, and the kitchen could start where the cupboard stops which is where the cooker is, and wrap around into the right inside the living room. A single tall fridge could maybe be integrated into a single wall height 600 cupboard instead of the new double wardrobe the architect has drawn (in front of the side of the ensuite) in the space there?
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PRO
Kingfisher Designs
2 years ago
Gulp...I agree with Nick; the architect has made a design, and thats the best I can say about it. It would be better all round to have the bathroom and kitchen together. There also looks to be a void wasting space behind the shower?

maybe something like this?
ger_gg thanked Kingfisher Designs
ger_gg
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you I never considered this layout!
User
2 years ago
I agree with Nick too. Kitchen and living area one side, bedroom and ensuite the other. Preferably with a door between.
ger_gg thanked User
ger_gg
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you!
ger_gg
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you very much for this, again I never considered this layout. it is very spatious yet has everything she needs too.
ger_gg
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
i’m in charge of finding fixtures and fittings and think it would be nice to have a cohesive look to tie the whole area together and maybe make it more spatious wardrobe kitchen ensuite. i suppose what i am after is the ‘hotel look’ , something modern, neutral and bright. i am having trouble finding this, i tried Magnet, Ikea, also checked out some ‘ihus‘ granny annexes.to find the look/inspiration but not quite there yet. if you have any thoughts on this too I’d be very glad to hear them.
Jonathan
2 years ago
The look you are describing is a cohesive look by having matching kitchen and bedroom furniture. However I worry that the budget hotels have already done this.

Personally I think you should get the kitchen and Ensuite to match with cabinets and and tiling and flooring the same in both spaces.

Then I think you should treat the bedroom as a separate space with a less clinical look which means soft furnishings, oversized headboard, floor to ceiling curtains for a sophisticated look and carefully consider the lighting as the room will have several purposes. You might even consider more than one TV so that she has one to watch in bed as well as from the chair, you might consider raising sockets for convenience and colour change lights to change the atmosphere.
ger_gg thanked Jonathan
ger_gg
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you very much. I like all these suggestions very much. Great thinking. That’s a good idea to raise sone of the sockets! Inject some personality into the bedroom area also. You’ve inspired me!

I am looking at all the suggestions and one other i thought of is we could create a small living area where the bed is currently positioned, a snuggler sofa and TV, do you think that would work? we simply switch over the bed to the extended area and everything stays as is.
jtemm
2 years ago
I think that switching bed and seating areas would work quite well, provided it gives the seating area enough windows for light and views? Jonathan's suggestions are also good.

Really not sure where your architect was coming from, on his suggested layout - who would want to be cooking in their bedroom, and have their toilet right beside possible entertaining space? (plus, as you get older, the benefits of having the loo within a few steps of the bed become more and more apparent!)
ger_gg thanked jtemm
PRO
Caroline Couzens Design Ltd
2 years ago
Whatever you do consider accessibility and ease of use. Larger four openings, pocket sliding doors etc. will improve functionality hugely.
ger_gg thanked Caroline Couzens Design Ltd
ger_gg
Original Author
2 years ago
thank you, the builder starts tomorrow, and there is still time to perfect the layout internally. i v. much appreciate the feedback, i will get this space right as a result.
Jonathan
2 years ago
Best of luck with the build.
I think while the builder is digging the foundation you need to nail down the bathroom and kitchen positions and you might also want to consider glazing- I worry that the architect specified glazing is too much and will make this space too hot in the summer and limit wall space for a radiator, furniture and curtains.
murtmerali
2 years ago
Perhaps a useful additional information might help comments if the layout has layouts measurements,

Granny pad small extension

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