Kitchen layout driving me crazy - please help me, I need ideas!

2 years ago

We have lived in this bungalow for nearly 4 years and having thought the kitchen was great when we moved in but the realities of living in it with one and now two small children is that I hate it! It's a pretty decent space but the layout is terrible. My biggest annoyance is the breakfast bar peninsula that houses the oven. It's a huge area of workspace (0.9 x 1.5 m) but I never use it and it justs ends up covered in clutter....as evident in the photos. Instead I work in the insufficient 70cm gap between the sink and hob, I think mostly because I'm right handed and so work to my right. Peninsula just isn't intuitive to me. It's only me who occasionally sits at breakfast bar otherwise it's unused. We have already done some mods to make usable, specifically to fit in the fridge freezer (separate freezer wasn't option as nowhere to put it and undercounter fridge too small) we removed units and chunk of worktop and also took out an oven (unused) so we could put replacement storage in (baskets). What we really want is a kitchen diner, big enough for the 4 of us to have a meal. We have had architects drawings for extension - too expensive and not enough of a result - and also a rejig of entire floorplan but no builder seems so keen to do that. I also cannot shake feeling we are going to spend tens of thousands and I will still be a bit underwhelmed. I don't actually want a huge space, just a functional one! I also keep looking at current kitchen and thinking it really ought to be big enough to eat in but maybe not. This is driving me round the twist and I just want to put some ideas to bed/on scrap heap so we can make progress. Rant over ;)
If you've got this far then I really would be so grateful for any thoughts. The kitchen is just off North facing with side windows to E and S. Measures 5.1 x 3.25m and 2.25m at narrowest bit where peninsula is. There is a shower room off it that I've included in pics. Could be open to losing this if it helps kitchen.
TIA
Kim

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (17)

hedgehog99
2 years ago
Hi Kim, don’t worry I’m sure you will get help from the clever people on here! I’m struggling to get the layout though - could you sketch it out with approx dimensions written on the plan, and showing the position of window and doors, and the current layout of units/appliances? Nothing fancy, just a quick overhead sketch.
rinked
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
What's in the boxed in bit in the 'peninsula wall' (and the slope in the shower room)? Upstairs bathroom pipes?

And what is directly behind the fridge wall?
Related Discussions
Please help me ,i am lost,Need help with my living room
Q
Comments (9)
I agree with Red80 re furniture layout. There are lots of good things in this room, I just personally find the cushions and blinds clash with the chandelier and wallpaper. I would swap the 2 geometric cushions for softer patterns in lighter grey/white/duck egg. I'd get something with different textures as the cushions fabrics look the same atm? Add accessories to your coffee table, maybe just a pile of books, a vase of flowers, and an "ornament" in wood/ceramic/pewter etc again for texture. When budget allows swap the blinds for Roman blinds. Try blinds 2 go or Tuiss which is their sister company if you're in the UK. I can't remember the exact price but I got pure silk Roman blinds for 2 really large windows for c£450 which sounds a bargain to me although not yet up:) I agree the mirror is a little high. If you can, without leaving a hole on show in the wallpaper, I'd lower it as long as it doesn't reflect the tv! I'm not sure the pics to the left of the window work as they're obscured by the curtains. Perhaps also a taller vase/pot in the blue for the tv cabinet to detract from the tv a little more? Alternatively you could change the wallpaper and the mirror to give the room a contemporary rather than classical feel
...See More
Please help me decide how to redesign ground floor layout!
Q
Comments (3)
One option would be to move the utility to the garage, have all your kitchen units down the wall from hall to back wall, then have a dining zone where your breakfast bar currently is and a family zone where your dining area is (with bifold doors). This would leave your lounge clutter free and be much cheaper than an extension. Depending on the size of your garden and budget i think i'd be more tempted to extend though...
...See More
Bathroom Driving Me Crazy....
Q
Comments (2)
Hi G G, The size of your bathroom is almost the same as ours; we went for a similar layout to the one of your drawing. We decided to get a rectangular bathtub, as the curve of an oval one would have taken out some space. I didn't want double sinks - more cleaning for me :)) but our vanity is 1.20m, so there's plenty of room for a double. I actually have the drawing/technical plans given to us by the bathroom store seller, I can email them to you, but we're away atm for another 10 days, if you can wait. Let me know if you want them. Good luck!
...See More
Small bathroom layout please help! Urgent before builder murders me!
Q
Comments (30)
Hi guys, I am back again with a bathroom query, I have an image attached. I really don't like the current layout for this bathroom and I'm thinking if we move the toilet to the wall on the left under the sink and put the bathroom vanity where the toilet currently is so that this is the first thing the person sees when the door is open. Do you think this works? Again advice is hugely appreciated. I honestly had no idea finalising bathrooms would be so difficult, and the support I have received on Houzz has been the best of any professional I have met so far so thank you all! Any questions please do let me know!
...See More
Kim
Original Author
2 years ago
Hedgehog99 of course, I'll do shortly. Rinked you offered your help with our original ideas back in 2019 that have proven to be seriously challenging. Here is the link Check out this discussion on Houzz - https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/5806805/ideas-for-reconfiguring-bungalow-floorplan

The bathroom is behind the fridge
Kim
Original Author
2 years ago
Ps. Boxed in bit is original bungalow wall so supporting corner. Shower room was we believe an outhouse (1950s bungalow) absorbed into side extension on kitchen where peninsula is
Kim
Original Author
2 years ago
hedgehog99 does this help at all? Architects measured survey drawing and I have put on length of main walls (longest is door to door). There is 710 mm between peninsula and back wall as the walkway. The 'boxed in' bit from where hob is to peninsula is 975 mm deep. Peninsula is also 230 mm deeper on other side of boxed in bit so 1780 mm there. Hope that makes some sort of sense. Can provide other measurements as needed.
rinked
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Ok, i had no idea last year was you. What changes did you end up making?

And if that boxed in bit is exterior wall, removing it would mean breaking open the entire thing and new steels, right? Hmm..

How about your initial plans to move the kitchen and turn this space into master bed? Would it be possible to get plumbing towards the bedroom on the far left and open that wall up a bit, so the kitchen could go in there? (just an example)
Kim
Original Author
2 years ago
To date we have done absolutely nothing. Obviously a pandemic has had a big effect on things but we had the architects in May 2020. Plans all drawn up, then back and forth with tweaks before being costed early this year and coming out approaching 100K so a definite no no. Twice our absolute max budget. So me and my husband took those plans and altered them to reconfigure space we have and that is what we're now awaiting quotes (plan attached) on but the builders are not exactly falling over themselves for this new plan. I don't know if the kitchen is big enough and am now considering knocking into Bed 4 (not intended to be a bed 4 - it's lined up as a playroom for kids) and putting kitchen there and dining/social bit across where the kitchen diner is on plan but just want a quote on plan below so we know what we're up against.

The point of this post was just to see if I had missed anything with current kitchen - I don't think anything can be done with it but just wanted hive mind to confirm or deny. So frustrating - I had hoped we would have it all built this summer
hedgehog99
2 years ago
You've probably already thought of this (sorry haven't got time to read the other thread), but could you open up the kitchen to the bedroom next to it, and move that bedroom to the sitting room. Then move the sitting room to the dining room (which you wouldn't need because you'd eat in the kitchen) - and therefore the sitting/playing space would open up to the garden?
pjdklm
2 years ago
A much more functional layout can be achieved in the existing room by flipping the existing hob and fridge freezer. It looks like you are currently losing a good 30cm or so of potential counter and cabinetry space next to the doorway, and it would give you a longer counter run between sink and hob. I would also add a long bank of shallow low cabinetry alongside the wall between the 2 doorways, which would give you quite a lot of additional storage space without interfering with the walkway or sight lines. Plus the narrow ledge there could help keep clutter off your work surfaces. In terms of dining space, you could lose your unloved peninsula and then add a small table and chairs. You would have to squeeze in the 60cm oven into the main work area, but 30cm would be gained by the fridge move, and another 20cm could be gained by swapping to a 60cm sink cabinet. (I assume it’s 80cm right now.).
PRO
OnePlan
2 years ago
Shame you haven’t been able to make a start on things yet.
angie_wrightt
2 years ago
As you seem to have money why not make the conservatory into a proper extension to make a lovely kitchen diner. Then the old kitchen can become an en-suite bedroom. I think this would be a simpler thing to do than knocking the whole house around inside and probably less expensive.
User
2 years ago
Hi Kim, your proposed bungalow layout is very similar to mine except mine is 3 beds with lounge next to kitchen/diner (originally 2 rooms). My kitchen/diner measures about 6m x 3m with a 4 seater dining table. You gave additional utility space in the extension which is handy. The beauty of bungalows is that you can use the rooms for whatever purpose you like, except kitchen and bathroom of course. If you don't need the 4th bedroom, I would consider opening it up to the kitchen, and it could be used as a flexible dining/work/play space. Good luck with it.
Kim
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you Sarah, it's really good to know someone out there has something similar. I've spent hours on the internet trying to find similar ideas. The utility space is important as the (sweatbox/icehouse)conservatory houses the washing machine and tumble drier so these have to have a new home to do away with that. We never use it, just a dumping ground and obstacle to garden view and access. We do love bungalow living having always had houses and it has a lot of benefits with small children. We don't need the 4th bedroom so knocking through there is definitely an option.
rinked
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Variation on your latest floorplan.

If your conservatory isn't used as such, remove and create a nice patio with pergola, for example, so you enjoy the climbers from your bedroom window.
Kim
Original Author
2 years ago
Interesting rinked, something to think about. I've come up with something similar but only difference from our latest floorplan is knocking through to bed 4 as you have but closing up door from hall and doing away with the cupboard (our porch has enough storage) then putting kitchen in footprint of bed 4 and having dining/family space across the back with french doors to garden from there - obviously drainage dependent but a maybe. Conservatory is definitely going, we won't miss the space as it's unused. Thank you for the time you've taken to look at this, both now and in the past. I think it was you who originally suggested moving the bathroom which is what got us thinking differently. Really appreciated :)
Kim
Original Author
2 years ago
Ps. Absolutely with you on pergola idea. I hanker after an American style veranda but I'll settle for functional house first 😄 previous owners put in a lovely patio - this would be our bedroom view (minus conservatory and play tent) - not a bad way to wake up. House bugs me except sitting room but love the garden
rinked
2 years ago
I agree, lovely garden! A front to back opening would give a light hallway as well.

Kitchen layout driving me crazy - please help me, I need ideas!

Comments (17)

hedgehog99

rinked

Related Discussions

Kim
Original Author

Kim
Original Author

Kim
Original Author

rinked

Kim
Original Author

hedgehog99

pjdklm

OnePlan

angie_wrightt

User

Kim
Original Author

rinked

Kim
Original Author

Kim
Original Author

rinked

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Kitchen layout driving me crazy - please help me, I need ideas!

Comments (17)

Related Discussions

KimOriginal Author

KimOriginal Author

KimOriginal Author

KimOriginal Author

KimOriginal Author

KimOriginal Author

KimOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Kim
Original Author

Kim
Original Author

Kim
Original Author

Kim
Original Author

Kim
Original Author

Kim
Original Author

Kim
Original Author