open plan room advice

last year

We are doing a small extension and reconfiguration to create a large L shaped open plan area. I want wood flooring. My husband wants big tiles. I suggested laminate or luxury vinyl tiles as a compromise. He suggested wood effect tiles as a compromise. I think tiles are cold, hard and dangerous for accidents and can crack. He thinks wood or LVT are impractical for kitchens and will get water damage, fade, be too warm. As well as kids we have 2 pets (cat and dog) so we need something durable. Any experience/ advice

tiles in kitchen, wood in rest

LVT

laminate

all wood

all tiles

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Comments (7)

PRO
Cocoona Designs
last year
Hi Esther,

Firstly i think an open plan area would connect better if the flooring was the same throughout, the living space can be zoned with a rug or maybe two. There are advantages and disadvantages for both wood and tiled flooring and both can look equally as elegant and stylish but i think LVT is the perfect compromise and i would check out @Karndean Designflooring. I used this recently in a two bed flat renovation throughout all rooms even the bathroom and wouldnt hesitate to use again. Sarah x
estherh78
Original Author
last year
Thank you for your advice
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Dear James, You have a great feature there with your fireplace and wood burner. I really like the exposed brickwork, and the way this feature within your space flows through from the fireplace, stairs and in your kitchen/ dining & breakfast room. This is a really good focal point for your space in setting a theme. The larger shelf that sweeps round that you currently have an armchair in front of can ideally be removed with the unit under it also being taken out. This would open the area near the stairs; allowing you space to move through into the centre area easily. Opening the stairs themselves will allow light to flood through, this will greatly improve the access you have to natural light. Try to go with a unified neutral tone that reflects the natural light in the day, I'm not saying brilliant white here, a warm cream, with a sandy undertone, one that ties in with the beautiful wood surfaces in your kitchen. Consider spotlights that positioned correctly will illuminate key focal points in the evening to create an atmosphere, and highlight the textures and features of the space. Mirrors are brilliant pieces for reflecting light and creating the feel of more space, and positioned right can help the flow through your space. Use accessories to define your zones such as seating area and kitchen. experiment with pattern and colour to create your theme. I hope these simple but effective tips help to give you a start on your ideas for your space. We are here if you would like to discuss any of these further, please don't hesitate to contact us. Kind Regards Michael Jhala Designs
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Thanks for the suggestions ... so helpful. We actually have timeless currently in our bedroom and love it ... but I think the problem is that we have a brilliant white gloss kitchen and I think that timeless may be a bit of a clash of the whites. I think perhaps neutral greys as suggested are the way to go? The flooring will be porcelain tiles in the kitchen which will meet a karndean/moduleo type of vinyl flooring in the lounge area and we are looking at something with grey/brown tones as below, as we have a sandy coloured U shaped sofa. http://www.tilegiant.co.uk/synergy-perla-10mm.html http://www.moduleo.co.uk/product/blackjack-oak-22246
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What you might find is that if you take this info to a kitchen designer that the layout provided will be completely different to what your architect has (surprisingly) come up with. Personally as a designer, I’d have a completely different take on this room area - but then I Design Kitchens and space concepts for a living - (but ask me to design a building with roof angles and all that that entails etc and I’d be out of my depth a little ! ) So it’s just a case of choosing someone who specialises in this particular area really - we are independent so we don’t sell products that would include a profit - so we charge for our services and work with you over a week to thrash it out - but then you can shop around easily by dropping in a copy of the plans and asking for their best price and haggle for discounts that are often far greater than our design fee. Alternatively you can book loads of studios to each send over their sales people to each come over and measure and each then design a scheme and each then try to win the sale by inviting you to go through their ideas in their studio. Although this is ‘free’ it’s maybe a tad more time consuming, repetitive and you don’t usually have much input. If you click on my name or icon you can read some comments from past clients who’ve tried this way !
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"tear it out" and "structural beam" should never be in the same sentence together. If the previous owners botched it, then it is unlikely you would be able to predict whats holding up what. Please get advice from a structural engineer. It will be a lot cheaper than rebuilding half the house.
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Jill Townsend
last year
Look at Amtico if you’re considering Karndean. Personally I think it’s a better product and much easier to clean. We have had both in our home and would go for Amtico every time.
Sonia
last year
My sister has wood effect Porcelain tiles throughout in her open plan area but she does have underfloor heating with them. Without UFH they can be cold but lovely and cool underfoot in summer. They are very tough and do not chip easily and are easy to clean. Great if you have pets. I’ve heard Engineered Wood is pretty tough?
Juliet Docherty
last year
last modified: last year
I personally wouldn't have wood with pets with claws, it will just get scratched and then you have finishing issues. I would have huge format tiles with rectified edges (allowing tiny gaps) and UFH if possible - or natural stone which looks beautiful, warm and timeless.
PRO
The Living House
last year
Hi estherh78, LVT is a great option and many suppliers such as Amtico and Karndean come with 25 years or a lifetime guarantee. LVT flooring is used in many commercial projects such as stores etc as it is really hard wearing. Hope this helps!

As you are doing an open plan extension you may find two of our blogs helpful, here are the links if you would like to take a read -

https://www.thelivinghouse.co.uk/blog-interior-design-tips/the-6-most-common-mistakes-we-see-when-you-extend-your-home

https://www.thelivinghouse.co.uk/blog-interior-design-tips/10-design-mistakes-to-avoid-with-an-open-plan-room
estherh78
Original Author
last year
Thanks all, really appreciate the advice

open plan room advice

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Cocoona Designs

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open plan room advice

Comments (7)

Cocoona Designs

estherh78Original Author

Related Discussions

Jill Townsend

Sonia

Juliet Docherty

The Living House

estherh78Original Author

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estherh78
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estherh78
Original Author