Urgent Help Needed with Internal Layout of Extension
We have started the build on a wrap around extension. We have had to make a couple of changes since starting & have had the original architect back to review but we are still not happy.
The main problem is the utility area. It is smaller than we wanted, but then again we don't really want to take space out of the other rooms either.
The idea of the utililty area was to give us a downstairs toilet, an area to come into after walking the dogs & for storing boots, coats etc. Needs to be easy clean for when we all come back wet & muddy!
It will also house the boiler & ideally the washing machine. The builder suggested getting a shower in to try & gain some value in the house from doing all this work. As we only have one bathroom that would be very useful.
All external walls need to stay the same but can anyone help with the internals - some creative thinking needed to try & create a utility space out of not much!
Thanks
Comments (12)
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Need help with our new kitchen extension layout
Comments (6)I like Option 2 honestly. Obviously you are finding it hard to visalize what the space will look like but honestly that is a huge space so I would recommend putting in the utility considering what you gain from it. You gain a space where you can block out the sound of the washing machine- who wants that sound when your eating dinner? Also washing is unsightly- do you wants piles of clothes in your nice brand spanking new kitchen? In terms of the corridor you are going to have lots of light coming through from the new extension. When you enter the front door and can see straight through to the garden spaces feel much bigger than they actually are anyway. Also who says it has to be boring. Have some fun wallpaper or colourful art hanging. Also if you want to make something more spacious use sliding doors for utility and wc. Less items infringing on corridor space. And lastly, the reception is purely personal preference based upon how your family function. Personally I prefer two rooms. Allows for more space to get away from the open plan area. Mini adults room and a kids room/study. Hope this helps...See MoreNeed help with ground floor internal layout of kitchen/diner reception
Comments (12)Thank you for details. In general, location of areas is chosen fine, especially if you want to keep dining and kitchen separately. Although I will have couple of suggestions for you. I would consider more space for your dining/kitchen area. Make it wider and add at least 1m-1,5 m. You have double doors to the garden but you don't leave enough room to walk around table. It can be a nightmare to move chairs if you need to pass, even simply for the reason to open or close windows with curtains or blinds. Looking at lounge areas: two large sofas will look bulky, especially in the area, which you plan to keep neat and clean. It means it should be as functional (when you need it to be) as to be out of your way when you live your life. From here, I will recommend to choose corner sofa for your sitting room and a large footstool. It will allow you to have open look on interior and area will look larger, welcoming and you will have more seats for family hours.If you like armchairs, then have a look at next layout Second area doesn't need large sofa. A set of chairs will look much better and will be more functional. Therefore, you don't need any special dividers between two areas because they will look as two separate complete areas and you will not miss such fact :) If you wonder to place doors or special separation to kitchen + dining area, there are many esthetic options https://alenacdesign.wordpress.com/2016/03/09/room-dividers-and-other-solutions/ I hope it will help you :) Don't hesitate to ask more. Good luck! Alena...See MoreHaving an extension and need help with internal reconfiguration!
Comments (10)I'm blown away by the response on here an first would like to give my sincere thanks for all the advice. I wanted to add some more details and thoughts to everyones comments. In roughly the same order (i.e. Tamp75, Riches Interiors, keiblem, Ellie). The way we see the "study" is effectively an extension of the living room. It used to be the dining room and we were toying with the idea of incorporating it with the kitchen diner. However i felt that it would be very long and relatively narrow. The study is actually closed from the kitchen diner but we thought the flow and access from the conservatory would make the journey very long. So we asked if we could have a door there. The architect then put 2 double glass doors which we actually kind of like as it lets light through and let's us keep in line but allows cooking smells to be kept in the kitchen if required. Bu of course we lose more space in that area having to open the doors. Here is a 3d model the architect did. The utility room (in purple) would have the internal door into the kitchen, just not 100% sure where. I absolutely agree, we do not want to trek outside to get to the laundry. We have the dryer in the garage now, and it's very offputting and easy to forget to leave it in! None of the furniture or cabinets are set. They were placeholders from our architect to give an illustration. This includes the island which is a placeholder and we may not go with one depending... Also basically none of the internal walls are set, we can still change it. This, i suppose is the big thing, as if there is a better way to use the space, we're open to it! For the conservatory it's pretty much as you say RIch and keiblem. We do love it, when it's right, but can't use it half the year as it's too cold or too hot. So the current plan is to add a roof to it and any required brick work to support the roof. Hopefully this will give us a quiet space to read or do some exercise all year round. Here is the 3d plan from the architect. The "dead" zone on the right in between where the dining table is, the rear external doors, the double internal doors and the hallway door is one of our biggest current concerns. And can we fit the dining table in this area with people sat down and there is still enough space for someone get by to access the kitchen. And yes, Ellie, that is pretty much the problem in a nutshell. We have deciced on the footprint, but are very indecisive on internal walls and general layout. If we have the utility room there, there is a kind of corner that is made in the kitchen. Would it be or look weird if I put the stove and or sink in that area with it maybe looking sort of recessed? I wanted to match the wall to match the central line by the stairs to make the room see more unified and square. Example below I don't want to add anymore, as it's a super long thread again. But again i'm blown away by everyone on here so many many thanks....See MoreExtension layout help needed please
Comments (2)Could you repost the floorplan a bit clearer with some rough measurements please? And with neighbours on the right you mean the ones your kitchen+bathroom is NOT connected to? And with a party wall already in place would they agree with an extension on the full width?...See More
m speed
8 months agom speed
8 months ago- PRO
Qren Property Maintenance
8 months agoHello I would suggest if it’s possible to fit the toilet under the stairs it would create a larger utility room.
m speed thanked Qren Property Maintenance 
PROLOUISE DESIGN STUDIO
8 months ago
Hello,
I think it is the space matters to your decision. If you have already invested for the extension. Have you ever think about open all up the lounge, the feeling of the space will be immediately much bigger. Pink - another Steel beam added. Green, custom made flush design wardrobe from bottom to ceiling, will be able to fit all your shoes, coats etc. In this layout, if layer stage you would like to separate the space, just add a modern sliding black steel glass panel in the middle. In this layout, you can always exchange the ideas of the dining area and the seating area as your mood changes from seasons. This layout, if you add 2 chandeliers in both hanging down from lounge and seating area in a line, the people from the front outside window, will see the chic design from towards the bak all the way. Matching fireplaces and matching chandeliers.
Alternatives, If you want even more space, flip the kitchen to the other opposite side. Do a L-shape kitchen instead island, then you have max your space to feel bigger.
I provide design services especially specialise in 3D presentation, if you can not imagine your boring CAD drawings from the Architect. You better to require a Virtual reality showcase. Please email me, info@louisedesignstudio.com Please look at my website www.louisedesignstudio.com , all the examples that I do for my clients. I do on-site and off-site as well. It depends on projects and location.
Good luck to your decision. Hope this small ideas give you some help.
Kind regards,Louise J Chung
m speed thanked LOUISE DESIGN STUDIOm speed
8 months ago
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